Project 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
Each selected school zone will receive a safety and infrastructure assessment. These assessments will identify sidewalk gaps, crossing issues, bicycle access limitations, and other barriers to safe travel.
In addition to identifying needed improvements, the program will equip schools with tools and resources they can continue using beyond the life of the grant. It will also develop “shovel-ready” infrastructure concepts to help participating school districts compete for future funding opportunities.
- Elementary school zones within the MPA, including portions of Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle Counties
- One selected elementary school per participating district
- Engagement & Education: School-centered activities to build awareness, encourage participation, and promote safe walking and biking.
- Data Collection & Analysis: A comprehensive assessment of student travel patterns and existing infrastructure conditions within each school zone.
- School Zone Action Report: The program will culminate in a customized report for each participating school. The report will include school-specific findings, infrastructure recommendations, data to support future funding applications, and educational materials that can be integrated into the school carriculum.
- 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.
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.
- Safe Kids Worldwide - Helmet Fit Test
- 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.
