Background: Cupertino is localizing the larger National Safe Routes to School Program and is mirroring successful model programs that have reduced traffic accidents, reversed the decline in students walking and bicycling to schools, and lessened the alarming nationwide trend toward childhood obesity and inactivity. Data shows that as much as 20 to 30% of morning traffic can be generated by parents driving their children to school, and traffic-related crashes are the top cause of death and major injury for children in the U.S. ages 1 to 17 (National Center for Safe Routes). 

Mission Statement: Create a safer environment for Cupertino students and families to travel to and from school actively.

Goals: Through this initiative, Safe Routes to School (SR2S) members (educators, parents, students, city planners and engineers, business and community leaders, bicycle and pedestrian advocates, community volunteers, etc.) examine conditions around schools and come together in a large Working Group to share ideas, recommend projects to improve safety and accessibility, and reduce traffic and air pollution around our local schools. As a result, members help make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation choice, encourage a healthier and more active lifestyle from an early age, and promote social connections and responsibility.