Coversheet


Agenda Item 4.


TRANSPORTATION AGENCY FOR MONTEREY COUNTY *Memorandum*

To:	Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Advisory Committee
From:	Stefania Castillo, Transportation Planner
Meeting Date:	August 7, 2019
Subject:	Measure X Safe Routes to School - Education Program Update

RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECEIVE presentation on the Measure X Safe Routes to School Education Program implemented by Ecology Action for the 2018-2019 school year.

SUMMARY:
Ecology Action staff will provide an update on two safety education programs. The Walk Smart program for youth in grades 1st-3rd which focuses on pedestrian safety and the Bike Smart program which offers bike safety education for elementary through secondary school aged youth. These educational programs are part of the Measure X Safe Routes to School Implementation Plan.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The contract for the Ecology Action education efforts is for two years at a not-to-exceed amount of $320,000 of Measure X Safe Routes to Schools funding. The Measure X Safe Routes to School Program provides a consistent source of funding over the next 30 years: approximately $667,000 annually, or $20 Million over the 30-year life of Measure X.

DISCUSSION:

TAMC has contracted Ecology Action to teach bike and pedestrian safety at elementary schools in Marina, Seaside, and Salinas Valley, with the eventual goal of serving all 2nd and 5th grade students in Monterey County as spelled out in the Measure X Safe Routes to School Implementation Plan.

Bike Smart, a bicycle safety education program for 5th graders, consists of an assembly-style presentation and an on-campus bike safety rodeo. Walk Smart, a pedestrian safety program for 2nd graders, consists of an in-class presentation and a “Walk Around the Block” field trip in which students practice crossing real-life streets in the school neighborhood.

In the 2018-2019 school year, Ecology Action delivered Bike Smart to 41 fifth grade classes and Walk Smart to 50 second grade classes throughout Monterey County. Through Measure X funds, 2,155 students at 14 schools received comprehensive safety training, and 156 students learned to ride a bike for the first time.