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.

 

 

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!

 

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

 

HCPS Parent and Caregiver Feedback Survey

Harrisonburg Safe Routes to School is conducting a Parent and Caregiver Survey to better understand school travel behaviors, student physical activity levels, and concerns about pedestrian and bicycle travel on the way to school. The survey is open to Harrisonburg City Public School parents only and will help the Virginia Safe Routes to School Program and Harrisonburg's SRTS Coordinator understand the support the program more. This survey takes 5-10 minutes and is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Kurdish.

Survey Link: https://arcg.is/1fS0D94

We encourage all HCPS parents and caregivers to complete this survey. Your response is valuable, regardless of current or preferred travel method for your student(s).

The survey will close on November 1, 2025. For any questions, please contact Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Andrea Troyer at andrea.troyer@harrisonburgva.gov.

 

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

A walking school bus or bike bus 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. A “bus” can be led by parents, or community members that become approved HCPS volunteers. Leaders wear bright vests for visibility. At least two adults are with the group at all times. Contact the SRTS Coordinator if you are interested in becoming a leader.

Learn more about Walking School Buses and Bike Buses

 

How to Start a Walking School Bus or Bike Bus:

  • Sign Up for 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 Safe Routes to School Coordinator if you have any questions or are interested!
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

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