Survey responses needed for Safe Routes to School project

Oberlin City Schools and Lorain County Public Health are seeking community input to help update the district School Travel Plan and Safe Routes to School program.

Oberlin students, parents, and residents are encouraged to respond by May 1, according to a news release.

“We are seeking community member input so that any new changes to the School Travel Plan reflect residents’ true needs and interests,” said David Hall, superintendent of Oberlin City Schools. “Community representatives and stakeholders are crucial partners in the Safe Routes to School process.”

Safe Routes to School aims to create safe, convenient and fun opportunities for students to bicycle and walk to and from schools, according to the release.

Its goals include: to encourage children to walk and bicycle to school; to increase safety; and to reverse the nationwide trend toward childhood obesity and chronic diseases associated with inactivity.

Oberlin Schools and County Public Health also encourage Oberlin residents to get involved directly with the Safe Routes to School committee.

The committee currently includes Oberlin residents, parents, teachers, school district leadership and city and county health officials.

Committee members can expect to participate in monthly conference calls or meetings over the course of one year, assist with public meetings, help conduct walk audits and help make recommendations for future improvements, the release said.

Cities with School Travel Plans are eligible for over $1.5 million from the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Complete the Oberlin Active Transportation survey at LorainCountyHealth.com/ SafeRoutes. To get involved, contact Kat Bray, Creating Healthy Communities coordinator for Lorain County Public Health at 440-322-6367, or Hall at 440-776-4551.