What is the Safe Routes to School Program? 

Our vision for Safe Routes to School in Harrisonburg is equitable and sustainable programming that supports, encourages, and ultimately increases safe active transportation among K-12 students. Through collaboration between city government departments, school district and school staff, and community organizations, we will work toward safer streets and school campuses, safe pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorist behavior, and a culture that values active transportation.

In October 2024, the City of Harrisonburg Public Works Department hired a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Coordinator. The SRTS Coordinator manages the Harrisonburg SRTS Program through supporting the Program’s many activities completed by a partnership of multiple organizations. These activities include educating students about safe walking and biking, as well as efforts that work toward making it safer and more desirable for students to walk or bike to school.

 

Bike & Roll to School Day is May 7, 2025! 

On Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, in celebration with the national Walk, Bike & Roll to School efforts, children, families, school officials, and community leaders across the U.S. will strap on helmets and roll or walk to school, highlighting the joys of active travel and the need for safety along those routes.

Join us on May 7th for Harrisonburg’s Bike & Roll to School Day, a fun and active way for students to get to school safely while building healthy habits! As part of Harrisonburg’s Safe Routes to School Program, we’re encouraging families and students to bike together along designated routes, meet up with friends along the way, and experience the joy of alternative ways to travel to school as a community.

Stay tuned for how your school will participate in Bike & Roll to School Day and how you can join other Bike Month events in Harrisonburg! 

 

Safe Routes to School Activities

The SRTS Program focuses on the following:

Educate students on safe walking and biking in school settings

  • Organize on-campus walking before school to engage all students and build community.
  • Amplify the Risk Watch Program through Harrisonburg Fire Department, which educates on pedestrian safety.
  • Support bicycle safety education, bike unit activities, professional development for teachers, and help maintain school bicycle fleets.

Increase participation of biking and walking to school

  • Complete data collection to track participation through tallies and surveys.
  • Promote International Walk, Bike. and Roll to School Days to increase community involvement and excitement!
  • Pilot walking school buses and bike trains to coordinate students and families to walk and/or bike to school together.

Work across multiple entities to identify structural change for bike and pedestrian infrastructure

  • Work to implement walk zones and identify on-campus infrastructure/facilities.
  • Identify infrastructure changes for sidewalks, bike lanes, and shared-use paths through Public Works.
  • Coordinate efforts across multiple entities for outreach and engagement opportunities that promote biking and walking practices.
  • Identify strategies to ensure the safety of school zones through traffic enforcement, hiring crossing guards, or other traffic calming practices.
Current Recommended Routes for Biking and Walking to School

Identified recommended routes are being evaluated and finalized. Updates will be provided as each route is finalized. See tips and maps below for current bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

City Maps

City Infrastructure Projects

For more information on current initiatives related to biking and walking and infrastructure projects directly related to Safe Routes to Schools. 

Benefits to Walking, Biking & Rolling to School
  • Enhances Safety and Builds Confidence – Traveling in groups or with an adult helps children feel secure while navigating their route, reducing safety concerns. As children gain more experience walking or biking, they develop road safety skills, such as understanding traffic signals, crossing streets safely, and being aware of their surroundings. This hands-on learning process not only builds confidence but also helps them become more independent and responsible road users over time.
  • Promotes A Healthier Lifestyle – Walking and biking encourage regular physical activity, which improves overall health and well-being. These active forms of transportation provide children with daily opportunities for exercise, promoting cardiovascular health, enhancing muscle strength, and other outdoor activities.
  • Improves Academic Performance – Studies show that regular physical activity boosts brain function, enhancing focus, memory, and problem-solving abilities. This translates into better academic performance, as children become more attentive and engaged in the classroom.
  • Fosters Stronger Community Connections – Walking or biking to school strengthens connections between families and neighbors, fostering a sense of belonging and support within the school community. Shared routes and experiences create opportunities for new friendships and build a network of care and collaboration.
  • Reduces Traffic Congestion – By encouraging more walking and biking, traffic congestion around schools is significantly reduced, making the school zone safer for pedestrians and cyclists. 

What are Walking School Buses and Bike Trains? 

A walking school bus or a bike train is a group of children walking or biking to school with adult supervision, usually with a set route, designated areas and pick up time to join along the way. Frequency and communication is based on the specific school or neighborhood group. 

If you or others in your school community are interested in organizing and starting a walking school bus or bike train, contact Andrea.Troyer@harrisonburgva.gov or your school liaison for additional information to get started.

Safety Information & Resources

Pedestrian Safety

  • Tips for Kids Walking Safely to School – English & Spanish
  • Tips for Parents and Other Adults for Teaching Pedestrian Safety to Children – English & Spanish

Bicycle Safety

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) produced three bicycle safety education videos and three pedestrian safety education videos for different age groups of children (ages 5-9, ages 10-14, and ages 15-18). Available in English and Spanish.

Skateboarding Safety

Supporting Organization Resources

The Safe Routes to School Program is made possible by the City of Harrisonburg in partnership with Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Sentara RMH Community Health and other related Community Members and Organizations. For more information about the Safe Routes to School Program, contact Andrea.Troyer@harrisonburgva.gov

Related Pages
Public Works