CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi today announced $12 million in grants for projects that will help boost the health and safety of children by making walking, biking, and rolling to school safer and more accessible, boosting quality of life throughout the state. The popular Safe Routes to School program is funding 68 proposals by local governments and schools that range from improving neighborhood infrastructure to supporting community educational and safety programs.
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“The Safe Routes to School program is transforming neighborhoods into safer, more walkable places for kids and families,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With this investment, 68 communities statewide will build projects that give our students a protected, reliable way to walk or bike to school.”
Administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation using federal funds, Safe Routes to School supports projects and activities that improve safety and encourage active transportation options in areas around elementary, middle, and high schools. Improvements typically include new and upgraded sidewalks, efforts to reduce speeding and other traffic offenses, public education, and outreach programs.
The maximum award amount is $250,000. Among the projects receiving funding:
- $250,000 to Centralia for new sidewalks, creating a safe, continuous route for students walking and biking around Jordan Elementary School.
- $250,000 to Glendale Heights to install sidewalks, traffic control devices, and bike facilities near several schools.
- $250,000 to Staunton to improve sidewalks, traffic control devices, and crossings serving Staunton Elementary and Staunton Junior High schools.
- $250,000 to Winnebago to improve sidewalks and accessibility around four schools.
- $240,043 to Carterville for new sidewalks and improved crossings near Carterville Junior High School.
- $239,169 to Downs for improvements to sidewalks, upgrades to traffic control devices, and pedestrian crossings around Tri-Valley Elementary, Middle, and High schools.
- $250,000 to Bushnell for improvements to sidewalks around Bushnell-Prairie City Elementary School.
- $100,000 to Jerseyville to develop a community travel plan that identifies safe biking and walking routes for each school in town.
- $100,000 to Harvey to host Walk & Roll to School events and the creation of a traffic garden accompanied with safety instruction.
“Safe Routes to School is another example of how IDOT is helping its local partners fulfill their vision for safety and mobility,” said Secretary Gia Biagi. “These projects will go a long way in making communities across the state convenient, safe places for everyone to walk, bike, and roll.”
“Investing in the safety of our children as they travel to and from school is one of the most meaningful things we can do as leaders,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “In Berkeley, new bike racks at Sunnyside Elementary and MacArthur Middle School, along with bike rodeos and safety clinics, will help build a culture of safe, active transportation for our youngest residents. In River Forest, critical crosswalk improvements along Lake Street — including curb extensions and flashing beacons — will protect students at Lincoln Elementary, Roosevelt Middle, and St. Luke's every single day. These investments will make a real difference in our community.”
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our children, and this project will make travel to and around these schools safer for local students and neighbors,” said House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman (D-Belleville). “Let’s continue to invest in safer, more accessible roadways that better connect our communities.”
“Improving accessible paths to school is crucial in promoting independence and safety for students,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Encouraging students to bike or walk to school builds community and healthy habits.”
To view a complete list, visit idot.click/srts and click the “Awarded Projects” tab.
Safe Routes to School is yet another way that IDOT, under the leadership of Gov. Pritzker, is making transformational investments in walking and biking infrastructure. To view a short video about the program and its impact on schools, click here or visit IDOT’s YouTube channel.
The next application period for Safe Routes to School is anticipated in 2027. Visit idot.click/srts or email DOT.SafeRoutes@Illinois.gov for more information.
