School can be stressful enough—it ought to be safe and easy for kids to get there.
	More Information
	For more information about trail developments and funding in California, please contact RTC's Western Regional Office at 415.397.2220.

California Extends Investment in Safe Routes to School Program:

California continued its leadership in the Safe Routes to School (SR2S) movement by singing into state law a bill that extends the program indefinitely. Assembly Bill 57, authored by Assemblywoman Nell Soto, ensures that one-third of California's safety funds—about $25 million per year—are directed to the construction of trails, sidewalks, bicycle lanes and traffic-calming projects that improve safety for children walking and biking to school. Without this bill, California's funding stream for SR2S would have ended on December 31, 2007.
 
"California was the first to designate funding for Safe Routes to School," says Laura Cohen, director of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Western Regional Office, "so we're thrilled that the legislature and governor have continued this popular program. It will help us fund safe trails, sidewalks and bike lanes to encourage more kids to choose a healthy, environmentally friendly way to get to school."
 
The California bill's passage means approximately $52 million is available for two fiscal years' worth of projects (2006-07 and 2007-08). Interested cities and counties are encouraged to view the updated SR2S Guidelines and Application . 
 
The deadline for applications is Friday, November 16, 2007.