In fall 2021, after two years of remote learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic, SF Safe Routes to School (SRTS) was able to resume in-person activities. To understand the needs of families and students, program partners worked closely with SFUSD staff to hear what faculty and families needed most during a time of transition and uncertainty. We learned that staffing levels were low, families were fatigued with remote learning, and students were excited to get back to in-person activities, but the uncertainty of Covid-19 surges made it difficult to plan. Therefore, in October 2021, we kicked off the school year with a fun and easy way for students to walk to school in a group or on their own with Walk and Roll to School Day. On October 6, thousands of students walked to school, and we heard from families and staff that they were glad to see SRTS again.

Also during this school year, we developed additional activities to support our families. In the Excelsior, we launched Park and Walk where families met at a playground near their school, then walked the last ¼ mile to school in groups. This activity eases traffic congestion around a school during drop off, and is a great way for students and families to meet before school.

With new learnings and positive responses to our Park and Walk and Walk & Roll to School Day, we were happy to bring back many beloved activities like Bike P.E., the bike blender, personal safety training, and Bike and Roll to School Week. The program, in partnership with SFUSD, is stronger than ever and ready to serve school communities. As we continue to expand our offerings and celebrate the Four Fun Ways (walk, bike, transit, and carpool), we are excited to announce a new activity, Transit Day, launching in September 2022. Transit Day will encourage and incentivize families and students of all ages to ride Muni to school and beyond!

Even though school is out, our program coordinators are working daily throughout the summer to support schools with fun and encouraging transportation activities. Students can learn to ride a bike by participating in summer Learn to Ride events. We provide bikes, helmets, and equipment – students just bring a game face and a little determination. All ages welcome. No pre-registration is required for this free event.

Check the schedule below for dates, all events are 10am-1pm:

• June 4, James Lick Middle School

• June 18, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Middle School

• July 2, James Denman Middle School 

• July 16, Dr. George Washington Carver Elementary School

• August 6, Francisco Middle School

San Francisco Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a program in partnership with SFUSD and six other city agencies and nonprofits, led by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, that helps make walking and bicycling to school safer and more accessible for all San Francisco children and youth. The program’s mission is to increase the number of children who choose to walk, bicycle, take public transit, or join carpools in getting to school. 

Staff, faculty, parents, caretakers, and students - if you are interested in getting started on a transportation activity at your school, contact Sam Kwan at kwans@sfusd.edu. We can support you with materials, subject matter expertise, and technical support