A free "Safe Routes to School" informational workshop will be hosted by state Department of Transportation officials from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Iao Intermediate School conference room.
Communities around the country are using "Safe Routes" programs to make walking and bicycling to school safer and more appealing to children.
Federal funding is available to states to establish programs.
Workshop topics will include:
* Why safe routes to school matter: safety, health and transportation issues.
* Engineering strategies.
* Encouragement, education, enforcement and evaluation strategies.
* Field exercise of school campuses and surrounding areas.
* Perspectives from local stakeholders.
* Pickup and drop-off area strategies.
* Identification of problems and solutions.
* Creating a community action plan.
* Safe Routes to School federal program in Hawaii.
The workshop's aim is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to develop Safe Route programs based on community needs and conditions, best practices and responsible use of resources. The day concludes with participants learning how to develop an action plan.
The workshop includes a free lunch for participants. The workshop size is limited, so organizers suggest participants register early.
To register, go online to hawaii.gov/dot/highways/srts/ and click on the link under the announcement for upcoming workshops; or contact Tara Lucas, state Safe Routes to School coordinator, at (808) 692-7696 or via email at saferoutestoschool@hawaii.gov.
