ACCT PROGRAMS: Safe Routes to School -

Since 2002, ACCT has worked to develop an award-winning Safe Routes to School program that serves the greater Charlottesville and Albemarle area.

Safe Routes to School is a national program with the primary goal to improve the health of kids and the community by making walking and bicycling to school safer, easier, and more enjoyable.

ACCT's local programs, made possible with funds from the Virginia DMV, include:

• Providing in-school pedestrian and bicycle safety lessons for thousands of area students.

• Facilitating walk-to-school events at elementary schools in both the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

• Working with school administrators, public officials, and local organizations to promote fitness and safety opportunities for the children of our community.

Greenbrier Elementary School
Greenbrier was the first school in Charlottesville to initiate a Safe Routes to School program. In 2003, they started weekly Walking Wednesdays events, where families are encouraged to walk to school, and buses drop kids off a few blocks from school allowing them to walk the rest of the way. Greenbrier also introduced Walking School Buses, where one or more walking families “picks up” other neighborhood kids on the way to school, similar to a regular school bus.

At Burnley-Moran, parents, teachers, and students have joined forces to make walking a regular part of the school's culture. Burnley-Moran celebrates Walking Friday events where even kids who must ride participate by taking a lap around the track before entering the school for the day. In the school’s "Walk to Hawaii" program, each lap around the track earns classes "miles across the country," as they race to see who can make it to Hawaii by the end of the year. Along their route, classes stop to learn about important historic landmarks across the U.S.

Woodbrook Elementary School
Woodbrook was the first school in Albemarle County to initiate a Safe Routes to School program. Beginning with a celebration of International Walk to School Day in October 2005, the school continues to explore safe walking and biking opportunities at their school.

International Walk to School Day is celebrated each year during the first week in October by more than 3 million students in 36 countries around the world! For more information, visit www.walktoschool.org

BIKE SAFETY PROGRAMS

ACCT works closely with a variety of community organizations to provide bicycle safety instruction and free bike helmets to children who need them. Each summer, for example, we partner with the Charlottesville Police Department and the Thomas Jefferson Chapter of SafeKids to sponsor the Community Bike Rodeo. At this awesome family event, kids have a great time learning bicycle safety skills and developing coordination as they maneuver through a bicycle challenge course. ACCT volunteers distribute free helmets and safety materials, and everyone takes a spin on the Bike Wheel of Fortune.

Throughout the year, ACCT promotes bicycle safety with other events and activities, such as:

Each year ACCT gives away loads of free bicycle helmets to children in our community!

Safe Routes to School programs and services are adaptable to a variety of settings. They also depend on the enthusiasm and creativity of volunteers. To find out more about how you can be involved in making our community a safer place for kids to walk and bike to school, contact Caroline Heins at saferoutes@transportationchoice.org or 295-6554.