Safe Routes Efforts in Minneapolis Public Schools

During the 2022-2023 school year, Minneapolis Public Schools is working to update our Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Strategic Action Plan and set our priorities for the next five years. Thank you to the more than 1,000 students, caregivers, staff, and community members who contributed feedback this winter which will help create the plan update.

Why planning?

2022-2023 Planning Goals

1. Set MPS Safe Routes to School priorities for the next five years.
2. Within those priorities, identify specific strategies around personal safety.
3. Build on relationships with the city and other entities to create safe, comfortable, and easy routes for kids.

Previous SRTS Action Plan Goals and Accomplishments:

1. Universal Bike Education for 4th and 5th Graders: This program is now in two-thirds of MPS elementary schools, and thousands of MPS fourth and fifth graders experience on-bike education during a two week unit, mainly in PE unit.
2. Support for Walking & Biking Field Trips: The Walking & Biking Field Trip Guide was developed in 2018 and many schools have received training, resources, and support for them.
3. Explore Options to Reduce Street Harassment: MPS developed and implemented a middle school health curriculum where student gain understanding of and resources to address street harassment, including a student-made video. 
4. Provide Stipends for SRTS Champions: This year Emerson School is piloting a full-time SRTS Coordinator as part of their International Teaching Assistant program.
5. Develop a Traffic Safety Pilot Program: MPS staff and families star in the MnDOT online adult crossing guard training. MPS SRTS provided  crossing guard equipment to MPS EMSS, which they distribute to schools.