Background:

The goals of the SRTS program are to increase the ability and opportunity for children to walk and bicycle to school; promote walking and bicycling to school and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle at an early age; and facilitate the planning, development and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption and air pollution within two miles of the school. In August 2005, federal transportation legislation devoted $612 million for The National SRTS Program from 2005 through 2009.  The maximum award is $500,000 per proposed project with $2 million available for Oregon during project year.  The SRTS Program endorses projects that increase safety and access for children walking and bicycling from home to school and school to home.

The SRTS program is a federal-aid program ODOT administers for the Federal Highway Administration.  These funds do not require a local match.  The City of Bend has been successful with past efforts and has been awarded $124,000 for Bear Creek Elementary School to complete sidewalks.  The Bear Creek project will be completed in 2010

2009 SRTS Applications:

City Staff has identified three projects with the collaboration of Bend Parks and Recreation (BPRD), Commute Options, Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization and local committee efforts.  Commute Options has been integral in the SRTS program by providing the education component required for each school.  Their bike safety education program funded through SRTS has successfully brought the message to local schools of the importance of bike safety through bike handling skills and rules of the road training.  Without Commute Options success in obtaining education awards, infrastructure applications would not be available to our area.   We have focused our efforts on three schools in Bend that have existing education plans. Cascade Middle School, Bear Creek Elementary School and Ensworth Elementary School. 

 Cascade Middle School (Map 1) proposed improvements include a crossing at Century Dr., sidewalk infill and improved speed reduction measures. Estimated Cost:  $317,500 2/1/10 Update - Not Awarded View Letter

Ensworth Elementary School (Map 2) has proposed improvements that have been identified by the Bend Traffic Safety Advisory Committee as a high priority for speed reduction.  Estimated Cost:  $180,000 2/1/10 Update - Awarded View Letter

Joint proposal for Bear Creek Elementary School (Map 3) may be able to realize efficiencies since both City and BPRD have been able to bundle the projects and activities into one combined application.  This application will be co-submitted by BPRD and City of Bend.   Estimated Cost:  $424,444 2/1/10 Update - Not Awarded View Letter

Please contact the Bend MPO if you have questions or need more information.