Safe Routes programs help more kids walk and bike more and provide many benefits:

Kids arrive ready to learn: Research shows that being active helps kids learn and improves academic achievement.

Kids get more exercise: On average, students walking to and from school get 40 minutes of exercise. Kids ages 6 through 17 should get 60 minutes of exercise every day for a healthy mind and body. 

Air around schools is cleaner: More walkers and bikers at a school means less air pollution, according to the EPA. Cleaner air is better for all students, but especially for those with asthma.

Safe Routes can help with climate change: According to the St. Paul Climate Action & Resilience Plan,  travel is the second largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in St. Paul. More walking and biking and fewer car trips means less greenhouse gas emissions. 

Safe Routes can bring traffic calming to neighborhoods: The City of St. Paul and other road authorities support Safe Routes in St. Paul by making streets near schools calmer and safer for everyone. 

Safe Routes supports health for the whole community: Safe Routes to School is a CDC-designated Hi-5 program, which means it can make a positive health impact for a community in just five years.