The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Major Grant program provides funding to support bicycling and walking infrastructure projects and non-infrastructure programs aimed at improving safety and accessibility for K-12 students traveling between home and school. The program is administered in Michigan and focuses on enhancing pedestrian and bicycle routes, ensuring students have a safe and accessible way to commute. The funding supports a wide range of projects, from sidewalk improvements and bicycle facilities to educational programs that promote safe walking and bicycling habits​.

The primary goal of the SRTS Major Grant is to create safer routes for children to walk or bike to school while fostering a culture of physical activity and community engagement. The program encourages collaboration between schools, local road agencies, municipalities, and community organizations to design and implement effective infrastructure solutions and educational programs. The grant aims to reduce traffic congestion around schools, improve pedestrian safety, and support healthier lifestyle choices​.

Funding can be used for various infrastructure projects, including new sidewalks, sidewalk gap closures, bicycle lanes, traffic calming measures, pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements, and lighting enhancements along school routes. Non-infrastructure funding supports educational initiatives such as pedestrian and bicycle safety training, walking school buses, bicycle trains, law enforcement programs, and community engagement activities. Certain expenses, such as preliminary engineering, construction extras, and right-of-way acquisitions, are not eligible for funding​.

Eligible applicants for the SRTS Major Grant include K-12 schools, school districts, municipalities, local road agencies, and non-profit organizations. Projects must primarily benefit students walking or bicycling to and from school. All infrastructure projects must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and be placed on public property to ensure long-term accessibility and impact​.

The application process requires potential applicants to submit a comprehensive proposal outlining their project plan, goals, and expected outcomes. The evaluation criteria include project feasibility, community support, alignment with program goals, and anticipated improvements in student safety. Applicants may need to conduct a school travel plan and collect pre-project survey data to demonstrate the need and potential impact of their proposed initiatives​.

Applications for the SRTS Major Grant follow a structured timeline, with specific deadlines for submission. The program may have multiple funding cycles, and applicants are encouraged to coordinate with their regional grant coordinator for guidance throughout the process. The application process also includes compliance requirements, reporting obligations, and post-project evaluation to assess effectiveness and outcomes​.

For additional details, applicants should refer to the official Safe Routes to School Michigan website or contact the appropriate grant coordinator. The program offers support for both first-time applicants and experienced grant seekers to maximize the effectiveness of proposed projects​​.