While education, encouragement, engineering, and enforcement usually get most of the attention in SRTS programs, it is important that we don’t forget the final “E”-- evaluation. Evaluation doesn’t have to be a long and difficult process. Simple pedestrian and bicycle assessments can enhance your SRTS program and provide a means to monitor its success in the future. Five simple bicycle and pedestrian assessments can help your SRTS team create a stronger program.

 

How Do Students Travel?

Travel pattern surveys are a way to learn how students get to and from school now, and how they would like to do so if conditions permitted. Two excellent surveys have been prepared and are ready for use. The Student Arrival and Departure Tally Surveyand the NJ Safe Routes to School Parent/Caregiver Survey [http://www.nj.gov/transportation/
community/srts/started.shtm] can help your SRTS team decide which actions would best meet the needs of your school now and in the future. Both surveys can be found online in the “Evaluating Your SRTS Program” document in the NJDOT Safe Routes to School Toolbox.

 

What are the Characteristics of My Community?

A School Characteristics Inventory allows you the opportunity to understand existing behaviors of the school community, and the potential

to increase the number of students walking and bicycling to school on a regular basis. Your inventory should describe your school and the surrounding neighborhood by evaluating both the physical and social characteristics of the area.

 

These characteristics will help you better understand the likelihood of success for SRTS, and how walking and bicycling fit into the culture and philosophy of your school community.

 

The Walkability and Bikeability Checklists can help you answer the question, “How walkable and bikeable is my community?” The easy-to-use forms allow you to evaluate your school neighborhood and come up with immediate solutions for your SRTS program. Both checklists can be downloaded from www.walkinginfo.org

 

Who and How Many Students are Participating? In addition to the surveys and checklists, it is also important to keep track of the logistics and participation in your SRTS program. Monitoring and evaluating the success of each project and event will help your SRTS team make changes to maximize effectiveness. Keeping track of the number of students who participated, or how many classes or events were held; actual vs. expected expenses; number of fliers distributed or news articles published; number of participants who completed assignments; and number of inquiries