Walking or biking to school is a great way to get moving —and now it’s going to get easier – and safer --- for some Fort Worth students to power themselves to class. Fort Worth ISD, the City of Fort Worth, and Blue Zones Project are working together to improve traffic routes around several area campuses.
Thirty years ago, more than half of students walked or rode their bike to school. Today it’s less than 15 percent, and children are at higher risk of becoming overweight or obese. When students walk to school, they are more likely to get the recommended daily amount of exercise. They also arrive on campus alert and ready to learn.
Thanks to the efforts of several community partners, including Blue Zones Project, the North Central Texas Council of Governments recently awarded $3.2 million in grant funding to Fort Worth’s Safe Routes to School project. Seven area schools were chosen for infrastructure improvements based on reported pedestrian and bicycle crashes, lack of bus routes, and other safety issues. They include:
- Bonnie Brae Elementary
- C. Moss Elementary
- Daggett Elementary and Middle
- Diamond Hill Elementary
- McRae Elementary
- L. Phillips Elementary
- J. Turner Elementary
The City of Fort Worth will match the grant funds, leading to a total investment of $6.4 million. Funds will cover the cost of upgrades to sidewalks, crosswalks, flashing beacons, signs, and bicycle-pedestrian trails. Work will take place between 2017 and 2020.
The Safe Routes to School initiative is an important part of Blue Zones Project’s commitment to make healthy choices easier in Fort Worth.