Schools may apply for a free Walkability Audit from the PA Safe Routes to School Resource Center. Any school interested in a walkability audit can obtain an application form online at www.saferoutespa.org/walkability-audits or by contacting info@saferoutespa.org or (717) 763-0930 (ask for Safe Routes). If your school is deemed eligible for an audit, a representative from the Pennsylvania SRTS Resource Center will be in touch to schedule a two-day site visit with an SRTS engineer.

Walkability audits are a key planning tool that provides communities with the technical assistance necessary to assess walking and biking conditions along routes to school and create a plan for improving them. The walkability audit process is led by a traffic engineer with the help of a team of local school officials, municipal staff, law enforcement officials, and other community members. After a two-day assessment of existing or potential walking routes, the school is presented with a final report that includes short-, mid-, and long-term recommendations for improving safety and increasing student participation along the walking routes.

If your school is interested in an audit, contact the Pennsylvania Safe Routes to School Resource Center or go to www.saferoutespa.org/walkability-audits to obtain an application form.