The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program. (New England Region).

The results are in, and after a year of Safe Routes to Schools programs in three schools, walking has increased by more than 10 percent in two elementary schools, and by 6 percent in a middle school. The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program received a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to make this initiative possible. Daily vehicle trips were reduced by 286 trips. Out of a total enrollment of 1,723 students, 217 more are now walking as a result of the Safe Routes to Schools programs. WalkBoston, serving as community organizers, helped to change families' behaviors by emphasizing the positive aspects of walking and tailoring the program to local conditions. Champions in the schools and the community worked together to make walking safer. The program convened the many agencies and organizations engaged in some aspect of the school travel experience and worked actively with WalkBoston to design programs to make the demonstration project successful.

For more information, contact Steve Golden at 671-228-5123 or [e-mail].