COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks today announced an investment of more than $8 million in projects that focus on the safety of children who walk or bike to school. 

ODOT is awarding the funding as part of its Safe Routes to School program, which supports education initiatives and builds infrastructure such as sidewalks and enhanced pedestrian crossings.  This year, the program is funding 29 projects in 19 counties.

“Creating the opportunity for children to walk and bike to school is so important, and this funding will help communities ensure that these routes are as safe as possible,” said Governor DeWine. “Motorists should also do their part by paying attention, especially in and around schools.” 

Safe Routes to School funding will cover project development; right of way acquisition; construction; non-infrastructure programming; and school travel planning activities.  

DETAILS: List of Safe Routes to School Grant Awards

Two projects receiving Safe Routes to School funding also qualified for support through ODOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program.  

Projects are competitively selected by a committee made up of subject matter experts from ODOT and the Ohio Department of Health based on the ability to demonstrate improved bike or pedestrian connectivity, improved safety, number of students impacted, economic need, and available funding. 

“As an avid cyclist myself, I am encouraged to see so much demand from young Ohioans to get on a bike or walk to get to school. It is our responsibility to give this next generation safer infrastructure to enjoy these modes of transportation,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. 

Since its inception in 2005, ODOT’s Safe Routes to School program has provided more than $83 million to schools, municipalities, health districts, park districts, or key non-profit partners to improve safety for students.