What is the Safe Routes to School Program? 

Our vision for Safe Routes to School in Harrisonburg is equitable and sustainable programming that supports, encourages, and ultimately increases safe active transportation among K-12 students. Through collaboration with city departments, Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Sentara RMH Community Health, and community organizations, the program works to improve street and campus safety, encourage safe travel behaviors, and foster a culture that supports walking and biking to school.

The program is coordinated by Andrea Troyer, the Safe Routes to School Coordinator, who leads and supports a wide range of activities in partnership with schools and community groups. These efforts include student education, school-day walking and biking initiatives, infrastructure planning, and community outreach all aimed at making it safer and more desirable for students to walk or bike as part of their daily routine.

 

Bike, Walk & Roll to School Day - October 8, 2025

Join us on October 8 for Harrisonburg’s Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day, a fun and active way for students to get to school safely while building healthy habits! As part of Harrisonburg’s Safe Routes to School Program, we’re encouraging families and students to bike and walk together, meet up with friends, and experience the joy of alternative ways to travel to school as a community.

All students, families and staff are able to participate. Students are encouraged to join walking or biking groups with classmates, teachers and families. School-specific events and safety tips will be shared ahead of time by the student's school. Parents and guardians can support their children by joining the ride or walk and ensuring that proper safety gear, including helmets, is worn. School and city staff will provide guidance on safety on the day of and help organize designated walking and biking groups at participating Harrisonburg City Public Schools.

Stay tuned for how your school will participate in Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day!

 

Spring Bike & Roll to School Day was a Success!

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, more than 200 students across Harrisonburg took part in Bike & Roll to School Day, joining communities around the country in celebrating active travel.

In Harrisonburg, seventeen organized routes helped students walk or bike to school safely, and many schools also encouraged walking the track after bus drop-offs. Thank you for your support — and we can’t wait to do it again in October!

 

 

 

Recommended Routes for Biking and Walking to School

Safe Routes to School Maps 

The City of Harrisonburg has created a set of maps to identify recommended biking and walking routes for students. These routes are chosen based on safety and accessibility. A “safe route” includes features like crosswalks, sidewalks, bike lanes, and traffic-calming elements, along with education programs to teach safe behaviors.

Recommended Routes for Biking and Walking to School webpage

Safe Routes to School Map Feedback Form

Have you used one of our school route maps? We’d love your feedback. Please fill out one form per route you're commenting on. If you have questions, please contact Andrea.Troyer@harrisonburgva.gov or call at 540-434-5928. 

Fill out the feedback form

Additional City Maps

Safe Routes to School Activities

The SRTS Program focuses on:

Educating Students

  • Teach safe walking and biking skills in school
  • Organize on-campus walking before school to engage all students and build community.
  • Amplify the Risk Watch Program through Harrisonburg Fire Department, which educates on pedestrian safety.
  • Support bicycle safety education, bike unit activities, professional development for teachers, and help maintain school bicycle fleets.

Encouraging Active Travel

  • Collect participation data through tallies and surveys.
  • Promote International Walk, Bike and Roll to School Days to increase community involvement and excitement!
  • Pilot programs such as walking school buses and bike trains for group travel to school.

Improving Infrastructure

  • Help plan walk zones and on-campus facilities.
  • Identify and support infrastructure changes for sidewalks, bike lanes, and shared-use paths through Public Works.
  • Work with city and school partners to promote safe school zones, hire crossing guards, and implement traffic calming.
Benefits to Walking, Biking & Rolling to School
  • Improves Safety and Builds Confidence - Walking or biking in a group or with an adult helps kids feel safe on the way to school. As they gain experience, they learn important skills like how to cross streets, follow traffic signals, and stay alert which builds confidence and independence.
  • Encourages a Healthier Lifestyle - Walking and biking are great ways for kids to get daily exercise. Staying active helps improve their overall health, including heart health and muscle strength, and supports lifelong healthy habits.
  • Boosts Academic Performance - Active kids tend to be more focused and alert at school. Regular physical activity supports brain function, which can lead to better attention, memory, and problem-solving in the classroom.
  • Strengthens Community Connections - Traveling to school on foot or by bike helps build stronger ties between families and neighbors. Shared routines create chances for kids (and parents) to make friends and feel more connected to their school community.
  • Reduces Traffic Around Schools - Fewer cars during drop-off and pickup times means less congestion and safer streets for everyone walking or biking near the school.

What are Walking School Buses and Bike Trains? 

A walking school bus or bike train is a group of children walking or biking to school together with adult supervision. These groups often follow a regular route and schedule, with set pickup locations along the way.

Want to start one in your school or neighborhood? Contact Andrea.Troyer@harrisonburgva.gov or your school liaison to get started.

 

Safety Information & Resources

Pedestrian Safety

  • Tips for Kids Walking Safely to School – English & Spanish
  • Tips for Parents and Other Adults for Teaching Pedestrian Safety to Children – English & Spanish

Bicycle Safety

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) produced three bicycle safety education videos and three pedestrian safety education videos for different age groups of children (ages 5-9, ages 10-14, and ages 15-18). Available in English and Spanish.

Skateboarding Safety

Supporting Organization Resources

For more information on current initiatives related to biking and walking and infrastructure projects directly related to Safe Routes to Schools. 

Related Pages
Public Works