Tapping into Safe Routes to School: A Smart Way to Fund All Kids Bike
When it comes to getting more kids on bikes, few programs align more naturally than All Kids Bike and Safe Routes to School (SRTS). Both initiatives share a common goal: helping children build confidence, healthy habits, and independence through biking—starting at a young age.
If you’re looking for a way to fund the All Kids Bike program at your school, Safe Routes to School may be one of the best places to start.
What Is Safe Routes to School?
Safe Routes to School is a national program that supports projects and activities aimed at making it safer, easier, and more appealing for students to walk and bike to school. Funded at the federal level and administered by state departments of transportation or education, SRTS provides grants to schools, districts, and municipalities to implement:
- Infrastructure improvements (sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes)
- Education programs (bike safety, pedestrian skills)
- Encouragement activities (bike rodeos, walking school buses)
- Enforcement strategies (speed monitoring in school zones)
- Evaluation efforts (collecting data on travel behavior)
And yes—bike education programs like All Kids Bike qualify in many states under the education and encouragement categories.
Why All Kids Bike Is a Perfect Fit for SRTS
All Kids Bike teaches kindergartners how to ride a bike through a structured, in-school PE curriculum that includes balance bikes, pedal conversion kits, helmets, teacher training, and a detailed lesson plan. It helps set the stage for biking as a safe, normal, and empowering part of a child’s daily life.
Here’s how it connects with SRTS goals:
- Promotes bike safety and skills development
- Encourages active transportation at an early age
- Supports equity by ensuring all kids get the opportunity to learn
- Builds lifelong habits of biking and walking
- Engages school communities in creating a bike-friendly culture
Schools can make a compelling case that All Kids Bike is a strong foundation for future Safe Routes efforts—preparing kids to become confident, capable riders.
How Schools Can Use SRTS Funds for All Kids Bike
Each state manages its Safe Routes to School program slightly differently, but here are general steps schools can take:
- Contact Your State Coordinator
Visit saferoutesinfo.org to find your state’s Safe Routes to School coordinator or website. They’ll have details on funding cycles, eligibility, and how to apply. - Build a Proposal Around Education + Encouragement
Emphasize how the All Kids Bike program improves bike safety education, supports equity, and complements existing or planned infrastructure projects. - Collaborate with Community Partners
Consider working with your PTA, city planning office, local bike coalition, or public health department to strengthen your application. - Gather Support and Data
If your school already has wellness goals or health initiatives, highlight how All Kids Bike supports those. You can also share statistics on childhood health, physical activity, and readiness to learn.
All Kids Bike Can Help
The All Kids Bike team can provide supporting documentation and help guide schools and districts in writing proposals or applying for SRTS funds. If you’re interested in pursuing this opportunity, reach out to us—we’re happy to collaborate and help make the process easier.
Let’s keep the wheels turning—for education, for equity, and for safer routes.
Learn more at AllKidsBike.org or connect with your state’s SRTS program to see how these two powerful movements can roll forward together.