Project Information
Project Background
Following receipt of Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant, the City of Costa Mesa is developing its first comprehensive Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Plan. Through this SRTS Plan, in collaboration with Newport Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) and the City, intends to develop implementable recommendations to create more safe and comfortable walking and bicycling options for Costa Mesa students, their families, and residents near 23 public school campuses. Building upon OCTA’s countywide Safe Routes to School Action Plan, the Costa Mesa plan will recommend strategies for improving student safety at the city level. This initiative underscores Costa Mesa’s commitment to creating environments where youth can travel to and from school safely and comfortably by walking, biking, rolling, or other sustainable travel mode.
What is SRTS?
SRTS is a nationally recognized planning initiative to encourage safe walking and bicycling to and from schools. SRTS is based on six principles, also known as the “Six E’s”: Education, Encouragement, Engagement, Engineering, Evaluation, and Equity.
BENEFITS OF SRTS
- Healthier Students: Children who walk or bike to school are often more alert throughout the day.
- Safer Streets: Improves sidewalks, crosswalks, and signage around schools, enhancing overall safety.
- Cleaner Communities: Decreases the number of car trips, thus reducing pollution and easing traffic congestion.
- Stronger Communities: Encourages families, schools, and local governments to work together, fostering a sense of community.
- Increased Grant Opportunities: Participation in the SRTS project increases eligibility for various funding opportunities to support community improvements.
Project Objectives
- Improve safety for children commuting to school
- Identify gaps in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
- Develop infrastructure improvement recommendations local to each campus
- Engage the community
Project Timeline
City of Costa Mesa Safe Routes to School (SRTS)