SDOT has installed safety improvements at more than 260 public schools since 2015.
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) announced it has met its goal to make safety improvements to intersections around all public schools in the city.
The goal was established by the 2015 Move Seattle Levy. According to a press release from the Mayor’s office, “Since the Levy’s approval in 2015, SDOT has built over 260 school-focused projects citywide. Safe Routes to School projects often include upgrades to sidewalks, crosswalks, speed cushions, and other kinds of traffic calming.” The city’s 2023-2024 Safe Routes to School Annual Report notes that 28 percent of Seattle students walk or bike to school, and that adding speed cushions has led to a 21 percent reduction in speeds on arterial streets.
SDOT also offers community initiatives that include giving out essential safety items for community and school groups. “Additionally, schools, PTAs, and community groups can apply for grants of up to $1,000 to organize walking and biking activities, such as walking/biking school buses.” Another program, School Streets, has closed off 16 street segments to traffic during school hours to make walking and biking to school safer for children and families.
Safe Streets Grants: What to Know
This year’s round of Safe Streets for All grant criteria come with some changes.
Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path
Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.
Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy
The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
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