Program Overview

Region 1 Planning Council (R1) has been awarded funding through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Local Agency Pedestrian and Bicycle Grant Program. This grant supports a region-wide pedestrian and bicycle safety initiative modeled after Safe Routes to School (SRTS), with a focus on improving safety, accessibility, and awareness in elementary school zones.

This program is designed to:

  • Improve pedestrian and bicycle safety around participating schools
  • Increase awareness among students and families about safe travel options
  • Collect actionable data on infrastructure conditions and commuting patterns

All school districts within the Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) will receive a comprehensive report that includes a detailed analysis of existing infrastructure conditions, traffic patterns, and pedestrian and bicycle activity around school zones, along with "shovel-ready" infrastructure concepts to help participating school districts compete for future funding opportunities. Each district's report will also include elementary-focused educational materials designed to support safe walking and biking behaviors beyond the life of the program. These materials will be refined through classroom-based testing in collaboration with educators to ensure they are age-appropriate, usable, and effective in reinforcing lasting learning outcomes for students.

In addition, a selection of five school districts will receive enhanced analysis focused on one elementary school within each district, based on in-person field audits conducted by R1 staff. This additional assessment will provide more detailed observations and targeted recommendations, with a specific focus on school pick-up and drop-off operations, as well as related safety improvements.

  1. Engagement & Education: Development of elementary-focused educational materials to support safe walking and biking behaviors, refined through classroom-based testing with educators to ensure age-appropriateness, usability, and lasting learning impact.
  2. Data Collection & Analysis: Comprehensive districtwide analysis supplemented by in-person field audits at a select group of elementary schools to generate more detailed, site-specific observations.
  3. School Zone Action Report: Each school district will receive a customized report including infrastructure findings, targeted recommendations, and enhanced analysis for select schools, with a focus on pick-up/drop-off operations and related safety improvements.

School zones across all school districts within the Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA), including portions of Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle Counties, will be included in the analysis.

Additional in-depth data collection and analysis will be conducted for a selected set of elementary schools within specific districts.

The selection of specific elementary schools for additional analysis was informed by the following criteria:

Local transportation conditions: Documented infrastructure gaps and barriers to safe travel
Equity-based criteria: Priority given to schools serving populations with higher equity needs
Safety and crash data: Locations with documented traffic safety concerns

Safe Walking Tips

Walking Safety Tips

    Walking to and from school can be fun and healthy - but safety always comes first!

    • Stop and look both ways before crossing the street. Keep watching for cars until you are safely on the other side.
    • Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and stay as far away from cars as you can.
    • Make eye contact with drivers so you know they see you before you cross.
    • Walk with an adult if you are under 10 years old.
    • Watch for turning or backing-up cars, especially near driveways and parking lots.
    • Never run into the street or cross between parked cars.
    • Stay focused. Put away phones and take off headphones before crossing.
    • Be easy to see. Wear bright colors and reflective gear if it's dark outside.

    Source: Safe Kids Worldwide. Pedestrian Safety Tips.

    This is an image of elementary aged students walking on a crosswalk with trusted adults and a crossing guard present.

    Safe Biking Tips

    Biking Safety Tips

    Riding your bike is fun - but staying safe is most important!

    • Always wear a helmet. Make sure it fits snugly and sits level on your head.
    • Ride on the right side, going the same direction as traffic.
    • Stop and look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.
    • Follow traffic signs and signals.
    • Make eye contact with drivers before riding in front of them.
    • Ride in safe places, like sidewalks, parks, or bike paths, if you are under 10.
    • Check your bike before riding - brakes, tires, and reflectors should work properly.
    • Wear bright colors and use lights if it's dark.

    Remember: Stay alert and predictable so drivers can see you and know what you're doing!

    Source: Safe Kids Worldwide. Bike Safety Tips.

      Image of elementary students biking on a crosswalk with a crossing guard helping them cross safely.