Safe Routes Utah Program

Safe Routes Utah

The Safe Routes Utah Program is run through the Utah Department of Transportation’s Traffic and Safety Division. The main goal of the program is to assist communities and encourage students to safely walk or bike to school. The following sections will outline the legal and statutory basis and requirements of the Safe Routes Utah program, identify responsible parties for each requirement, evaluate the existing process to identify shortcomings, and recommend improvements. 

Under Utah law, all K-8 schools  (public, private, and charter) are required to create and distribute a Safe Routes Utah plan (sometimes called a “child access routing plan”), which identifies the safest routes to school. Safe Routes Utah provides free resources to assist schools in creating and distributing their Safe Routes Plan to students and parents. Additionally, the Safe Routes Utah program provides outreach and resources to local schools through the following programs:

  • Beat the Streets: Pedestrian Safety assemblies for K-6 students
  • Construction Safety Assemblies (for areas experiencing heavy roadway construction)
  • Utah Walk and Roll Challenge: Provides monthly prizes for walking and biking to school
  • Crossing Guard Training and Resources
  • Middle School Health Curriculum: Pedestrian safety focus
  • Middle School Math Curriculum: Teaches statistics concepts using Utah crash data

For more information about Safe Routes Utah and free resources to educate and encourage students to walk and bike safely to school visit saferoutes.utah.gov.

Safe Routes to School Grants Program

To assist in addressing school transportation safety needs, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) administers an annual grant program. Available funding can be used for both non-infrastructure (education and encouragement programs), and infrastructure (physical improvements – primarily new sidewalks, but also school crossings, pavement markings, signage, bicycle parking, etc.) type projects. Grant applications are accepted annually, in the Fall, and are on a delayed funding cycle (grants awarded in 2026 will receive funds in 2028). All grants require a 6.67% local match. More information can be found at the links below. 

FY27 SRTS Application Forms:

Previously Approved Applications

For questions, please contact Travis Evans, Active Transportation Safety Program Manager at [email protected]