Latest news with #BiketoSchoolDay
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Virginia Safe Routes to School programs see future funding in jeopardy
Linwood Holton Elementary School students experience the joy of walking and biking to school on protected streets during Bike to School Day May 7. (Photo by Chip Jackson/Richmond Public Schools) A state grant program called Safe Routes to Schools, which funds crossing guard training, teaches students how to safely ride a bike and sponsors walk and bike to school days, has gone through a metamorphosis that could put the brakes on those initiatives. Safe Routes to Schools was created in 2005 under the federal Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act but got an influx of funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was passed in 2021. Safe Routes to School funds Fit4Kids, an initiative promoting a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and movement implemented in Central Virginia school districts including in the cities of Richmond, Hopewell and Petersburg, and Chesterfield and Henrico Counties. 'Fit4Kids has been the Safe Routes to School program for the city of Richmond for about 10 years,' said Mary Dunne Stewart, chief executive officer of Greater Richmond Fit4Kids. Stewart said in that time, they were able to grow it from a small pilot program, to a district-wide one that trains more than 100 crossing guards and teaches 750 students annually in their Learn to Bike program. In Harrisonburg, project coordinator Andrea Troyer said though their program has been 'on and off' for 10 years, and was originally led by a part-time coordinator. But because of a SRTS grant, they were able to hire her as a full-time coordinator back in November. Since then, she's been trying to restart the bike program. 'One of the big things that's been a success, is the education around students in their bike units,' she said. I was coming from a school that had started up their bike unit for the first time in six years. And so it's really exciting to kind of see the excitement from teachers, administrators, students, (and) from parents.' A major change to how program facilitators request funding and use it has left them unsure if they'll be able to grow their outreach efforts in the fiscal years of 2027-28. Stewart said in the beginning, the Fit4Kids program was funded in a certain way. 'It used to be funded by a specific line item at VDOT that was for Safe Routes to School with federal funding. And that funding went away about three years ago,' Stewart said. According to Jessica Cowardin, assistant director of communications for the Virginia Department of Transportation, when federal funding for the SRTS program was eliminated, the activities under the program became eligible under the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). 'Because dedicated SRTS funding has not been federally reestablished, all SRTS projects must be administered in accordance with the federal TAP guidance,' Cowardin said in an email to Virginia Mercury. Stewart thought the change was 'great,' and said the funding stream still allowed localities to apply for various bike, pedestrian and infrastructure projects. But the issue is in the numbers. Normally when requesting funds, programs such as Fit4Kids work in conjunction with city departments. In Richmond, for example, it's the Department of Public Works. In turn, DPW piggybacks Fit4Kids requests into their bigger pile of funding requests for infrastructure projects. In the past, localities could request funding for up to 11 projects. But now, that number has dwindled to five. This means projects under TAP have to compete with the larger, more expensive infrastructure projects cities need money for. The purpose of the change, some local leaders said, remains unclear. 'We're trying to figure out, why is this happening? Is this a big picture strategy decision from the governor's office or from the Secretary of Transportation? Or is this kind of a mid-level decision?' asked Stewart. 'The only response we've gotten is that they're trying to incentivize new programs.' Cowardin of VDOT said they have to administer TAP funding in accordance with federal and state code and in line with policies established by Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB), which were last updated in summer of 2023. She said the change in maximum TAP applications to five per cycle went into effect this year. This drastic application reduction spurred major concern for Justine Blincoe, policy director of Richmond's Fit4Kids. She said her organization has had a great relationship with DPW over years but the cap on grant applications they can submit threatens it. 'Because the city of Richmond is kind of earmarking one of the project submissions for us each year, if they were limited to doing five project submissions versus two times that amount, it would really limit their opportunity to be able to apply for other higher cost projects,' she said. Blincoe said if you compare the cost of a big paving project to how much money Safe Routes to School needs to operate, for example, it's possible the youth biking programs will be left out. 'It just really kind of puts into perspective that they could be losing out on opportunities to apply for something that's higher cost. And it really kind of disincentivizes localities to partner with a Safe Routes to School program to be able to do this,' Blincoe said. Because of the uncertainty of being left out of funding, Stewart met with representatives from Richmond Public Schools on May 13. 'I'm meeting with RPS to ask them to be the applicant instead of DPW,' she said to Virginia Mercury in an email ahead of the discussion. 'I feel very uneasy asking DPW to forgo a much more expensive project for a VERY low reimbursement rate for SRTS.' The day after that meeting, Stewart said RPS agreed to be the lead applicant in future applications. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Wisconsin State Patrol provides safety tips to follow on National Bike to School Day
(WFRV) – Wednesday, May 7, marks 'Bike to School Day' nationwide, and the Wisconsin State Patrol is providing tips on how to keep drivers and bicyclists safe. In a post on social media, the Wisconsin State Patrol says that whether someone is on two or four wheels, 'safety is a shared responsibility. Officials issue reminders as I-41 construction ramps up To help keep everyone in the community safe on 'Bike to School Day, ' troopers have provided the following safety tips: For drivers: Look twice for bicyclists, especially at intersections. Maintain at least three feet of space when passing. Buckle up, phone down—avoid distractions! Watch for smaller road users, including bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians. For bicyclists: Stay visible—use lights at night and wear bright clothing. Follow traffic laws like stopping at stop signs. Wear a helmet—it's the best protection! Ride defensively and stay aware of one's surroundings Locally, both the Green Bay Police Department and the De Pere Police Department have stated that they will have extra patrols out focusing on pedestrian and bicycle safety. Please drive with extra care, watch for kids biking or walking to school, and help us keep everyone safe! The Green Bay Police Department Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MnDOT encourages schools, communities to join Bike to School Day May 7
May 2—Thousands of Minnesota students are gearing up to for Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 7, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation encourages more schools to get involved. More than 160 Minnesota schools have signed up to participate. Bike to School Day is a healthy way to promote safe biking and walking activities in an academic setting. MnDOT and Minnesota Safe Routes to School sponsor the event each year. Students and families can participate in a variety of ways. They can bike or walk to school directly from home, join a "walking school bus" or a "bike train" a few blocks from school, or have their parents drop them off a few blocks away so they can get the experience of pedaling to school with their friends. Many schools also offer bike safety education events throughout the school day like bike rodeos or taking a field trip by bike. Studies have shown that physical activity can lead to improved physical health, mental health and academic performance in children. "Bike to School Day is a fun way for kids to learn about bicycle safety and explore their community on two wheels," said Kelly Corbin, MnDOT Safe Routes to School coordinator. "The turnout at the events also reminds us how important it is to make it easier for kids to be able to bike everywhere they want or need to go." Schools can still register events. Additional materials are available online to support year-round walking and biking activities. More information is available at
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Planning to fly soon? Here's how to make sure your Florida driver's license is Real ID compliant
May 7, 2025. Remember the date. Yes, it's National Tourism Day, which is appropriate since it's also the deadline to have a Real ID if you plan to fly anywhere. Yes, that includes flying inside the United States. It's also Bike to School Day but you won't need a Real ID for that trip. Here's what you will need a Real ID for and how you can get it. It used to be easier to get a driver's license in some states than in others. After 9/11, Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005, which established minimum security standards for getting a driver's license anywhere in the U.S. Florida began issuing Real ID-compliant cards in January 2010. If you intend to board a commercial airplane, you'll need to have a Real ID driver's license, state identification card or passport by May 7, 2025, to get through the TSA checkpoint. Starting May 7, 2025, anyone 18 and older who plans to take a domestic flight will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints. Every state resident in the U.S. must have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card — or valid passport — to board a commercial aircraft within the U.S. starting May 7. Without a Real ID — or acceptable alternative — travelers will not be permitted through the security checkpoint. According to Homeland Security, travelers without their approved IDs can expect to face "delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint," even if you're a TSA PreCheck passenger. If you don't have a Real ID, you'll need: A REAL ID-compliant identification card. A valid passport or passport card. Real ID cards in Florida are issued to first-time and renewing customers at a local driver's license service centers or tax collector offices. You must visit an office in person to get a Real ID the first time, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Since January 2020, those in Florida without a Real ID license have not been able to renew their licenses online through the MyDMV Portal. If your card is not Real ID-compliant and you aren't up for renewal before May 7, 2025, make an appointment to get a new card. Locations can be found here. A Class E license can be renewed up to 18 months prior to its expiration date. No. The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. However, the person traveling with the child will need acceptable identification, according to the Department of Homeland Security. To get a Real ID, you'll need to bring original copies of documents to prove your identity, legal residence, Social Security status and date of birth. For U.S. citizens, you'll need to bring one of the primary documents listed below: Valid, unexpired U.S. passport Original or certified copy of a birth certificate Consular report of birth abroad Certificate of naturalization issued by DHS Certificate of citizenship If your name has changed from the one on your primary identity document, you should also bring: Court-ordered name change document Marriage certificate, issued by the courts, and/or Divorce decree, issued by the courts In all cases, the document must show a clear trail of name changes originating with the birth name to the current name. Non-citizens will need to bring: Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card – I-551 for Lawful Permanent Residents Valid passport for non-immigrants except for asylum applicants and refugees Other government-issued document showing your full name Department of Homeland Security document showing proof of lawful presence If your name has changed by marriage/divorce, you must have your name changed on your Citizen and Immigration Services documents. Both citizens and non-citizens will need to bring: Your Social Security Card or proof of your Social Security number. You can find a list of documents that provide proof of your Social Security number on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle's What to Bring page. Two documents that show your principle residence. Once your identity and legal status have been verified, a driver's license or identification card will be issued within 60 days and mailed to the address on the driver's record. In Florida, a Real ID card has a gold circle with a white star in the top right corner of your driver's license or state identification card. If the star is there, it's Real ID compliant. If you've received a new or renewed Florida driver's license or ID since January 2010, you should be good to go but check the upper right corner of your card for the star. The fee for an initial Florida Class E license (including learner's permit) is $48 and a commercial driver's license (Class A) license is $75. The fee for a state ID card is $25. Most local tax collector offices also charge a $6.25 service fee. No. Real ID cards cannot be used for border crossings or international travel. If you're traveling internationally, you still need a passport. If the star is there, it's Real ID compliant. Don't count on the Real ID deadline to be extended. It's already been extended at least twice because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Contributor: C.A. Bridges, USA Today Network-Florida This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Real ID: What to know, make sure your license valid
