(SACRAMENTO) – Today, a bill that seeks to help rural and disadvantaged communities more effectively compete for Safe Routes to Schools funding passed the State Legislature.  Authored by Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella), the bill passed with bipartisan support and now heads to the Governor.

The Safe Routes to School (SR2S) state grant program provides funding to help communities make the infrastructure changes needed to make it safe for more children to walk and bicycle to school.  AB 2147 adds ranking criteria that will help disadvantaged communities, which typically have higher rates of obesity and lower levels of infrastructure, to more equitably compete for the program funding.  The bill also promotes community involvement in the development of SR2S project proposals by prioritizing applicants who utilize public participation processes.  Finally, it provides representation for low-income communities on the SR2S Advisory Committee.

"Rural and disadvantaged communities lack basic infrastructure such as sidewalks that keep kids safe and active," said Pérez.  "Safe Routes is a well regarded program that helps communities to address these issues.  This bill seeks to level the playing field to ensure there is fair access to the program."

Thousands of child pedestrians are hit each year due to limited school zone parameters and excessive speed near schools.  In particular, disadvantaged and rural communities lack the infrastructure to keep kids safe.  While SR2S has been a popular and effective program in ensuring school children are safe walking to and from school, it is unclear whether it targets communities most in need.  Governor Schwarzenegger recently directed Caltrans to adapt SR2S "funding priorities and criteria to increase participation in SR2S among low socioeconomic status, disadvantaged schools and communities."

CONTACT: Amy L. Wilson @ (916) 319-2080