Supporting Kids' Active Travel during the Pandemic: Milwaukee SRTS Program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Urban Planning
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety

Background:

• Children's active travel is crucial for health and well-being.
• The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges to community-based programs.
• Underserved communities often face greater barriers to safe active travel.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the adaptations made by the Milwaukee Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To highlight the program's commitment to children's active travel in majority Black or Latine neighborhoods.
• To showcase innovative approaches to maintaining safety and engagement.

Main Methods:

• Community walks and traffic safety education were adapted for physical distancing.
• Outdoor programming and modified materials were utilized.
• Public involvement activities incorporated community preferences for infrastructure.

Main Results:

• The SRTS program successfully continued offering biking and walking programs during the pandemic.
• Program modifications ensured safety while maintaining engagement.
• Community input was integrated into planned infrastructure improvements.

Conclusions:

• The Milwaukee SRTS program demonstrated resilience and innovation in promoting children's active travel.
• Adaptations effectively addressed pandemic-related challenges while serving vulnerable populations.
• The program's success was recognized with the 2021 Vision Zero for Youth Innovation Award.