Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced the opening of the application period for the Safe Routes to School program. This initiative aims to support projects that enhance safety for students walking, biking, or rolling to school. It is part of a broader effort by IDOT and Governor JB Pritzker to promote active transportation across Illinois.

"Establishing early habits of walking, biking or rolling to school helps students maintain a healthier lifestyle as they get older," stated Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. "We take great pride in this program, which helps ensure that every student in Illinois has a safe, convenient and healthy way to get to school."

Funded federally and administered by IDOT, the program targets projects that improve safety and reduce traffic around schools from kindergarten through high school. The current grant cycle will allocate $6 million in total, with individual awards capped at $250,000. Projects can include new sidewalks, traffic-calming measures, and enhancements for accessibility.

Applications must demonstrate how proposed projects will encourage students to walk, bike, or roll. Eligible applicants are school districts, local governments, planning organizations, and nonprofit associations. Priority will be given to schools with higher numbers of low-income students and those with disabilities.

The deadline for applications is October 2nd. Awards will be announced in the spring. For further details on the program or assistance with the application process through webinars, interested parties can visit the Safe Routes to School homepage or contact via email at DOT.SafeRoutes@illinois.gov.

This grant opportunity continues IDOT's efforts under Governor Pritzker's administration to expand active transportation within Illinois communities. In the previous funding cycle for Safe Routes to School, IDOT awarded over $12 million supporting 50 projects statewide.