San Diego County CA— SANDAG today launched its new Walk, Ride, and Roll to School mini-grant program to help increase active transportation and safety education for students throughout the region.
In support of International Walk to School Day in October, mini-grants of up to $1,500 will be awarded to public or private K-12 schools or school districts to help develop programs or projects that educate and encourage active forms of transportation to and from school, or that promote pedestrian and bike safety around schools. Funded through the SANDAG iCommute program, a total of $30,000 in grant funding is available.
The mini-grants empower schools by giving them the resources and flexibility they need to organize events and programs that work best for their students. Approved projects and programs will take place between September 1 and November 30, 2015. Funds may be used toward event expenses such as permits and supplies, marketing materials, and student incentives.
Examples of eligible programs and projects include events or fairs that promote and encourage students to walk, bike, skate, or ride a scooter to school. Other concepts could include: bike rodeos and safety obstacle courses for students; a walking school bus or bike train program; classes related to bike and pedestrian safety; and contests that challenge and reward students for using active transportation.
iCommute will accept applications through May 22, 2015. The request for grant applications, complete eligibility criteria, and application forms are available on the Walk, Ride, and Roll to School event web page. Completed applications should be submitted by email to iCommute consultant Maggie Li at schools@sandag.org. Questions relating to the mini-grants may also be directed to Li.
iCommute, managed by SANDAG, is the gateway to transportation choices in the San Diego region. Walk, Ride, and Roll to School is an annual awareness effort implemented through iCommute. The goals of the program are to increase the number of children who walk, bike, skate, or ride a scooter to school; raise awareness of the benefits of more active forms of transportation; and promote pedestrian and bike safety.
For more information, call 511 and say “Schools” or email schools@sandag.org.