The document outlines the importance of creating strong Safe Routes to School (SRTS) policies that enhance student health and academic performance through increased physical activity. It highlights essential characteristics of effective policies, including being legally and financially feasible, data-driven, and addressing health disparities. Additionally, it emphasizes equity in policy implementation, particularly for vulnerable communities with limited access to safe transportation options.

1. Diane Dohm, MSCRP
Planner
POLICIES FOR PUPILS:
CREATING A STRONG SRTS POLICY

2. ChangeLab Solutions creates innovative law and policy solutions that transform neighborhoods, cities, and states. We do this because achieving the common good means everyone has safe places to live and be active, nourishing food, and more opportunities to ensure health. Our unique approach, backed by decades of solid research and proven results, helps the public and private sectors make communities more livable, especially for those who are at highest risk because they have the fewest resources.

3. Source: Safe Routes to School National Partnership

4. SCHOOL DISTRICTS, STUDENT HEALTH & ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Physical Activity  Active Trip to School
Students who are physically active, perform better academically
Source: Safe Routes to School National Partnership

5. A STRONG SRTS POLICY SHOULD SUPPORT THE 6 E’S

6. 1. It is a policy, not a program.
2. It is legally feasible.
3. It is financially feasible.
4. It is ambitious, yet politically feasible.
5. Its implementation and enforcement are clear and feasible.
6. It is data driven and grounded in community.
7. It accounts for health disparities.
8. It changes the conversation.
9. It is one piece of the puzzle.
ELEMENTS OF A STRONG POLICY

7. ELEMENT #1
It is a policy, not a program.
© 2014 ChangeLab Solutions

8. •School policies
•Resolutions
•Local ordinances
•Zoning regulations
•Standards or guidelines
•Contracts or agreements
•State and federal laws
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY POLICY?

9. SRTS POLICIES AT DIFFERENT LEVELS

10. WHY IS POLICY IMPORTANT?

11. PROGRAMS & POLICY
Example: Eureka, CA

12. INCLUDING EQUITY IN POLICY
Equity Goals
The above goals for Safe Routes to School will be measured citywide and per school. The SRTS program is committed to achieving the goals in all schools, but is especially committed to meeting the goals in schools with high percentages of students and families that have the highest risk of having inequitable access to transportation, including people of color, people experiencing poverty, people with disabilities, and people who experience language barriers.
Example: Portland, OR

13. ELEMENT #6
© 2014 ChangeLab Solutions
It is data driven and grounded in community.

14. Community-Grounded Data

15. USING DATA IN YOUR POLICY
Example: Portland, OR

16. USING DATA IN YOUR POLICY
Example: Portland, OR

17. ELEMENT #9
It is one piece of the larger puzzle.
© 2014 ChangeLab Solutions

18. Safe Routes to
School Policy
School
Wellness
Policy
School Gardens
Healthy
Vending
Safe
School
Zones
Shared Use
HEALTHY CHILDREN

19. SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
www.changelabsolutions.org

20. SRTS District
Policy Workbook:
changelabsolutions.org/safe-routes/welcome

21. DISCLAIMER
The information provided in this discussion is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice. ChangeLab Solutions does not enter into attorney-client relationships.
ChangeLab Solutions is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that educates and informs the public through objective, non- partisan analysis, study, and/or research. The primary purpose of this discussion is to address legal and/or policy options to improve public health. There is no intent to reflect a view on specific legislation.
© 2014 ChangeLab Solutions

22. Thank you!
Diane Dohm, MSCRP
ddohm@changelabsolutions.org
510.302.3376