About SRTS
El Paso’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program began in December 2007 for 48 schools in the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD). The City of El Paso (COEP) provided $10,000 to each school for the creation of the SRTS plans through staff support and consulting engineering services. Aoy Elementary School (Aoy) used a portion of its grant funds for encouragement activities and incentive purchases; the COEP facilitated the development of SRTS plan with consultant support. The SRTS plan will allow schools to apply for federal funding administered through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Mission: Why do we exist?
The SRTS mission is to encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school. SRTS is designed to make bicycling and walking to school a safe transportation option using projects and activities that improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution near elementary schools. Forty seven elementary schools are participating in the two year SRTS Program with a total funding of $4.7 million.
Vision: What we hope to become?
A community that promotes physical activity for children and adolescents to help:
- Build and maintain healthy bones and muscles;
- Reduce the risk of developing obesity and chronic diseases;
- Reduce feelings of depression and anxiety;
- Promote psychological well being; and
- Promote a healthy and active lifestyle