Safe Routes to School Program

What is the Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS)?

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.

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.

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.

Previous Events

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

On Wednesday October 8, 2025, more than 400 students across the City walked, biked, or rolled together. Our efforts were expanded through organizing twenty routes across eight schools, along with two schools walking the track as students arrived.

This event was part of the National Walk & Roll to School Day, where 2,790 events were registered nationwide.

We are excited about the continued energy and momentum of walking, biking, and rolling to school together as a community!

Spring 2025 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.

Walking School Buses and Bike Buses

What are Walking School Buses and Bike Buses?

A walking school bus or a bike bus is a group of children walking or biking to school with adult supervision, a set route, designated areas, and a pick-up time to join along the way. Frequency and communication are based on the specific school or neighborhood group and the availability of leaders.

How does it work?

Scheduled Routes: The group will follow a designated route with specific stops where children can join and will walk or bike together to school.
Adult Supervision: Volunteer route leaders (parents/guardians of HCPS students, City/School staff, community members) will join to ensure safety and provide guidance. Community volunteers who are not HCPS parents should complete an HCPS background check before serving as leaders. Contact the SRTS Coordinator if you are interested in becoming a leader.
Safety First:
- All students biking must wear a properly‑fitted helmet.
- Follow the leader’s directions, traffic laws, and safe‑riding/walking practices.
- Bikes should have working brakes; use front white and rear red lights and reflectors for low‑light conditions.

How does my child participate?

Students: No permission slip is required to join a morning route. Signing up is encouraged so leaders know who to expect and how to contact families for updates or cancellations. SRTS is piloting morning walking school bus and bike bus routes only. Check with your school’s policy related to dismissing students to walk/bike home independently.
Student sign up: https://arcg.is/0ifKae3
Routes leaders will communicate with the group if there are cancellations related to inclement weather. Please sign up so the route leaders can contact you for updates and cancellations.

Liability and Expectations

Participation is voluntary. By allowing your child to participate, you acknowledge the inherent risks of walking and bicycling (e.g., falls or collisions) and agree that parents/guardians always remain responsible for their child.
You agree not to hold the school, Safe Routes to School (SRTS), route organizers, or volunteers responsible for any injury, accident, or property damage that may occur during participation. Parents/guardians always remain responsible for their child, including any injuries, damage, or costs arising from their child’s participation. Participation is voluntary and may be discontinued at any time.[AT1]

Safe Routes Leaders

Who can lead: HCPS parents/guardians, City/School staff, and community members (with approved background check if not an HCPS parent).
What leaders do: Keep time, take attendance, model safe walking/biking, communicate changes, and report incidents.
Interested in leading? Sign up to meet with the SRTS Coordinator: https://arcg.is/0uOT9r0

How to Start a Walking School Bus or Bike Bus:

Sign up for the Safe Routes to School email list to learn more, get involved, and receive information about upcoming events and opportunities.
Engage in PTO: Add your email to a group related to Safe Routes to School for ways to engage in your neighborhood or school. A “bus” can be just a few students!
Become a Volunteer: Help coordinate a route, frequency, and a registration list of participants. Contact the Safe Routes to School Coordinator if you have any questions or are interested!

Contact Andrea.Troyer@harrisonburgva.ogg for any questions to receive additional information about Walking School Buses and Bike Buses in Spanish, Arabic, or Kurdish.

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.

Safety Information & Resources

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.

Supporting Organization Resources

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