VINCENNES, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has awarded nearly $2.5 million in federal Safe Routes to School (SRTS) funding for projects and activities to provide Indiana school children with safer ways to walk and bike to school.

The goal of Safe Routes to School is to make bicycling and walking to school safe and routine.  With a gallon of gas hovering around the $4 mark, walking and biking to school can be attractive, low-cost alternatives for many students. The federally funded program, now in its third year in Indiana, hopes to reduce traffic congestion, fuel consumption and air pollution near our schools.  Walking and biking are also healthy lifestyle choices.

"INDOT is always glad to aid in the development of safer transportation, no matter the method" said Vincennes District Deputy Commissioner Sam Sarvis.  "By encouraging our children to walk or ride to school, we are reducing congestion on our roadways and improving the fitness of today's youth."

This year, the Town of Chandler was selected to receive $7,480 in reimbursement funding to construct a school zone flashing beacon and signs at Chandler Elementary School.  The majority of students at Chandler Elementary School live within walking or biking distance, yet only five percent of students walk and bike to school.  Having a plan and educating the community will significantly increase the number of students walking and biking to school.

For more information on the Safe Routes to School Program, visit INDOT's Safe Routes to School Web site at www.saferoutes.in.gov or visit the Federal Highway Association's Safe Routes to School Web site at http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/saferoutes/.

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