Shorewood “Safe Routes to School:” What’s the Status?

In June, 2022, a Shorewood-led report was released on Safe Routes To School (SRTS) as it applied to the one-mile radius around Excelsior Elementary. This included Shorewood neighborhoods.  Shorewood invested a significant amount of senior staff time in the production of this document.

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program improves the City’s streets by making pedestrian and bicycle improvements for children to safely walk, or roll to school. 

“Through policy changes, infrastructure improvements, and programs, Safe Routes to School helps create physical and social environments that empower students, their families, and their communities to walk and bike more often. Communities that participate in Safe Routes to School also benefit from less air, noise, and water pollution; lower road maintenance costs; and more pleasant streetscapes for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers alike.”

Then Shorewood Administrator, Greg Lerud, was the Team Lead. Also participating from the city, was Engineer Andrew Budde and Councilmember Nat Gorham.

Since its release, the report appears to have been put on hiatus relating to other schools, such as Minnewashta Elementary. 

SCA Editors: This report is comprehensive and concludes with benefits to the non-motorized/pedestrian community. Based on the investment by Shorewood alone, SRTS merits inclusion in discussions of future road projects.