State Recognition Levels

Municipalities and schools (public, private, charter) will be recognized for First Step, Bronze, Silver or Gold Safe Routes to School (SRTS) levels.   Municipalities and schools can either be nominated by their Safe Routes Regional Coordinator here at Avenues in Motion, or can self- nominate for recognition as a result of involvement  and commitment to Safe Routes programs in their community or schools.   Recipients will be presented with a certificate or award depending on which level they are recognized, and they will also be listed and promoted on the NJ SRTS website.

Schools and municipalities can contact Lisa Leone and NJ SRTS  for help with applying for nomination and implementing SRTS programs.  Nominees and recipients will be required to implement walk and bike to school events, adopt supportive policies, obtain backing from local constituents, and/or use survey tools to evaluate existing conditions for walking and biking to school.

Get Started!

First Step: Get your SRTS Program Started

Actions:

  1. Complete a Nomination Form
  2. Identify a Champion to begin building a SRTS team

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Build Momentum!

Bronze: Start annual traditions and build SRTS Awareness

Actions:

  1. Complete First Step achievements
  2. Resolution or endorsement letter from municipal government, school board or other equivalent body
  3. Hold at least two SRTS program or event:
    • Walk to school day
    • Bike clinic
    • School assembly
    • Other approved event
  4. Implement one active transportation best practice (bike parking, scooter storage, kiss and walk drop off/pick up locations, staggered dismissals for walkers/bikers, safe routes to bus stops, student posters/artwork, winter walking programs, etc.)

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Achieve Sustainability!

Silver “Sustainable Jersey Level”: Help your municipality go green, save money, and sustain quality of life by getting Sustainable Jersey certified.

Actions:

  1. Meet bronze achievements
  2. Meet one of the following requirements:
    • Hold 4 or more SRTS events
    • Create a School Travel Plan
    • Conduct a SRTS tally or parent/caregiver survey

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Keep it Going!

Gold: Make the SRTS program part of your school identity

Actions:

  1. Meet silver level achievements
  2. Show ongoing support from PTA, PTO, or Community Green Team
  3. Complete at least two higher level SRTS projects from the approved list
    • School Travel Plan with 6 mandatory components from the past 5 years
    • Adopt a supportive Safe Routes to School policy
    • Implement an innovative program/project, subject to approval

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Nomination form deadlines: January 31, 2022