The Salem-Keizer Safe Routes to School (SK-SRTS) program has successfully concluded the 2024-2025 academic year. In collaboration with Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS), the program provided valuable services and resources to thousands of students, significantly enhancing educational outreach and community engagement.

Education

A key component of the program's expansion was the focus on pedestrian, bicycle, and transit safety education. Over five SKPS schools utilized the updated SK-SRTS pedestrian safety kit, integrating pedestrian safety instruction into their P.E. curriculum. Furthermore, through our partnership with Cherriots, Salem-Keizer’s Local Transit District, two SKPS schools participated in our mobile classroom initiative. Cherriots offered a comprehensive tour and ride on a city bus, empowering all fifth-grade students and staff with essential knowledge on bus etiquette and safety.

Bicycle safety education has evolved into an extensive collaborative project. This initiative allowed 1,800 K-5 students to acquire essential riding, mechanical, and safety skills. The Learn-to-Ride curriculum, specifically designed for children in kindergarten through second grade, was implemented in two Salem-Keizer Public Schools, involving a total of six elementary schools. SKPS P.E. teachers delivered the instruction over a duration of one to three weeks during the school day.

The program was further enhanced by the addition of two new program assistants, one of whom specializes in cycling. Cycle Oregon supplied the fleet of bicycles and helmets. Additionally, we received invaluable support from volunteers at the Salem Bicycle Club and the staff of the Public Works Departments of Salem and Keizer, who ensured that all bicycle equipment was maintained and organized for daily student use.

The partnerships with the Salem Bicycle Club and The Northwest Hub, a local bicycle shop, have led to the creation of a voucher program. This program allows limited students to obtain bicycles and biking gear at little to no cost. Each school celebrated its achievements in various ways; some held assemblies while others invited special guests. Nevertheless, every student received an SK-SRTS certification of completion.

Engagement

In addition to the educational initiatives offered in schools, SK-SRTS has served as a resource within the community. The program has actively participated in various events, including school family nights, harvest festivals, and bike paloozas. Over 15 walking buses were organized as part of SK-Safe Routes events such as International Walk and Roll Day, Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, and Winter Walk and Roll Day. Furthermore, one SKPS school engaged in a bike bus event on Bike and Roll to School Day, while two SKPS schools held weekly and monthly walking activities.

The SK-SRTS chicken and unicorn made their debut this year, with our program coordinator donning costumes to make safety both approachable and fun. The initiative aims to assist students and their families in safely crossing busy arterial and neighborhood roads en route to and from school, while simultaneously raising awareness about the potential hazards present in school zones.

To promote cycling within the community, Cherriots and the City of Salem partnered with SK-SRTS and various local businesses and organizations to host a month-long celebration in honor of Bike Month. In May 2025, more than ten family-friendly cycling events were organized across the Salem-Keizer area. SK-Safe Routes actively participated in five of these events, including their own bike rodeo.

The Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments presented the MWVCOG Chair's Choice Award to the SK-Safe Routes to School program at their Annual Dinner Award Ceremony. Moreover, the Salem-Keizer School District celebrated Salem-Keizer Safe Routes to School by highlighting them as the Community Spotlight on Success during their monthly board meeting.

Furthermore, the SK-Safe Routes program played a pivotal role in the initiative that enabled Oregon Senator Deb Patterson to sponsor Senate Bill 450, which formally recognizes Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on November 14th across the state of Oregon. With the support of numerous Oregon legislators, The Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments, and The Ruby Bridges Foundation, Senate Bill 450 successfully passed and is scheduled to take effect in June 2025.

As the school year comes to a close, SK-SRTS takes time to reflect on its accomplishments. They acknowledge that these successes would not have been achievable without the partnerships cultivated with cities, school district and communities. There is a lot of exciting growth ahead.