I strongly encourage you to personalize the first paragraph sharing how you are a stakeholder, for example an RPS parent/grandparent, local business owner, community volunteer, etc:

I am writing as a concerned stakeholder regarding the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funding, particularly the impact it would have on the City of Richmond’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. 

For years, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids has been an invaluable resource in supporting the Richmond City SRTS initiative, which has benefited many Richmond Public Schools (RPS) students in our community. This program has made a difference in improving safety for children and families, promoting healthier transportation options, and reducing traffic and speeding around schools. Through initiatives like the crossing guard program, Learn to Bike programs, and special events like Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day, Fit4Kids has helped make walking and biking to school a safer and more accessible choice for students and their families. 

Richmond’s SRTS program, and others across the state, would be negatively impacted, possibly being forced to reduce their work or discontinue without this essential financial support. I am particularly concerned that the newly proposed guidelines would cause Fit4Kids to lose out on funding opportunities that directly benefit RPS students and the community in the following ways: 

First, the state will limit each applicant to five project submissions per funding cycle, and being a non-infrastructure project applicant, the City of Richmond is faced with losing out on opportunities to apply for other higher-cost projects. This puts the Richmond City Safe Routes to School program projects, and other Safe Routes to School programs across the state at a disadvantage, keeping SRTS from being able to secure the necessary funding and support to sustain the program. We have already witnessed other SRTS partners across Virginia be forced to discontinue their programs, due to challenges and limitations with funding. 

Second, I am concerned that the newly proposed language limits the percentage of a SRTS program’s budget that can be applied for through a TAP grant. For example, in the final year of the grant, a $100,000 program would only be able to secure $24,000 toward program costs, versus $80,000 which is currently allowable.

Respectfully, I urge you to reconsider these proposed revisions, and how they would impact the safety and wellbeing of students in Richmond, and beyond. Thank you for your time and consideration in preserving funding for Safe Routes to School. 

Sincerely,

Kimberly Love Lindsey 

Members of the Commonwealth Transportation Board: 

On behalf of Greater Richmond Fit4Kids, I am writing to express my concern for the proposed guidelines to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funding (proposed in the ??Transportation Alternatives Program Guide document), as it relates to the Safe Routes to School program. Since 2015, Fit4Kids, in collaboration with the City of Richmond, has received funding support from the Virginia Department of Transportation, to support the Richmond City Safe Routes to School program for Richmond Public Schools. In this time, we have been able to grow from a small pilot program, to a district wide program that supports students by training more than 100 crossing guards to ensure coverage at most schools, 750 students annually with Learn to Bike programming, and encouragement programs that promote safe walking and biking to school, including Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day.  

We have two major concerns. 

First, with the state now limiting applicants to five project submissions per funding cycle, and being a non-infrastructure project applicant, the City of Richmond is faced with losing out on opportunities to apply for other higher-cost projects. This puts the Richmond City Safe Routes to School program projects, and other Safe Routes to School programs across the state at a disadvantage, keeping us from being able to secure the necessary funding and support to sustain this important program. We have already witnessed other Safe Routes partners across the state be forced to discontinue their programs, due to challenges and limitations with funding. We are committed to ensuring biking and walking continues to be made safe, accessible, and appealing for Richmond’s students, and that using active transportation to school remains a viable option for students and families.  

And second, we are even more concerned about Section 6.3.1 that severely limits the percentage of a SRTS program’s budget that can be applied for through this grant. For example, in the final year of the grant, a $100,000 program would only be able to secure $24,000 toward program costs, versus $80,000 which is currently allowable.

Richmond recently had a very high profile bike crash at one of our SRTS sites. This underscores that now is the time to continue investing in these vital programs! Safe Routes to School programs are essential for creating safer roads and walkways that protect students, school staff, and families across Richmond. Through vital SRTS programming, we can prevent future crashes and ensure everyone can walk or bike to school without fear.

We urge you to reconsider these revisions, and what it might mean for Virginia’s Safe Routes to School programs. 

 am writing as a concerned stakeholder regarding the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funding, particularly the impact it would have on the City of Richmond’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. 

For years, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids has been an invaluable resource in supporting the Richmond City SRTS initiative, which has benefited many Richmond Public Schools (RPS) students in our community. This program has made a difference in improving safety for children and families, promoting healthier transportation options, and reducing traffic and speeding around schools. Through initiatives like the crossing guard program, Learn to Bike programs, and special events like Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day, Fit4Kids has helped make walking and biking to school a safer and more accessible choice for students and their families. 

Richmond’s SRTS program, and others across the state, would be negatively impacted, possibly being forced to reduce their work or discontinue without this essential financial support. I am particularly concerned that the newly proposed guidelines would cause Fit4Kids to lose out on funding opportunities that directly benefit RPS students and the community in the following ways: 

First, the state will limit each applicant to five project submissions per funding cycle, and being a non-infrastructure project applicant, the City of Richmond is faced with losing out on opportunities to apply for other higher-cost projects. This puts the Richmond City Safe Routes to School program projects, and other Safe Routes to School programs across the state at a disadvantage, keeping SRTS from being able to secure the necessary funding and support to sustain the program. We have already witnessed other SRTS partners across Virginia be forced to discontinue their programs, due to challenges and limitations with funding. 

Second, I am concerned that the newly proposed language limits the percentage of a SRTS program’s budget that can be applied for through a TAP grant. For example, in the final year of the grant, a $100,000 program would only be able to secure $24,000 toward program costs, versus $80,000 which is currently allowable.

Respectfully, I urge you to reconsider these proposed revisions, and how they would impact the safety and wellbeing of students in Richmond, and beyond. Thank you for your time and consideration in preserving funding for Safe Routes to School. 

Sincerely,

Sharon Darby

As a parent to two elementary kids, nonprofit professional, and Richmond city resident, I am writing to share my concern regarding the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funding, particularly the impact it would have on the City of Richmond’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. 

For years, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids has been an invaluable resource in supporting the Richmond City SRTS initiative, which has benefited many Richmond Public Schools (RPS) students in our community. This program has made a difference in improving safety for children and families, promoting healthier transportation options, and reducing traffic and speeding around schools. Through initiatives like the crossing guard program, Learn to Bike programs, and special events like Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day, Fit4Kids has helped make walking and biking to school a safer and more accessible choice for students and their families. 

Richmond’s SRTS program, and others across the state, would be negatively impacted, possibly being forced to reduce their work or discontinue without this essential financial support. I am particularly concerned that the newly proposed guidelines would cause Fit4Kids to lose out on funding opportunities that directly benefit RPS students and the community in the following ways: 

First, the state will limit each applicant to five project submissions per funding cycle, and being a non-infrastructure project applicant, the City of Richmond is faced with losing out on opportunities to apply for other higher-cost projects. This puts the Richmond City Safe Routes to School program projects, and other Safe Routes to School programs across the state at a disadvantage, keeping SRTS from being able to secure the necessary funding and support to sustain the program. We have already witnessed other SRTS partners across Virginia be forced to discontinue their programs, due to challenges and limitations with funding. 

I am also concerned that the newly proposed language limits the percentage of a SRTS program’s budget that can be applied for through a TAP grant. For example, in the final year of the grant, a $100,000 program would only be able to secure $24,000 toward program costs, versus $80,000 which is currently allowable.

Respectfully, I urge you to reconsider these proposed revisions, and how they would impact the safety and wellbeing of students in Richmond, and beyond. Thank you for your time and consideration in preserving funding for Safe Routes to School. 

Sincerely,

Leigh Busby

Good morning, I am writing as a City resident regarding the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funding, particularly the impact it would have on the City of Richmond’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. I also serve as the Board Chair for Greater Richmond Fit4Kids. 

For years, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids has been an invaluable resource in supporting the Richmond City SRTS initiative, which has benefited many Richmond Public Schools (RPS) students in our community. This program has made a difference in improving safety for children and families, promoting healthier transportation options, and reducing traffic and speeding around schools. Through initiatives like the crossing guard program, Learn to Bike programs, and special events like Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day, Fit4Kids has helped make walking and biking to school a safer and more accessible choice for students and their families. 

Richmond’s SRTS program, and others across the state, would be negatively impacted, possibly being forced to reduce their work or discontinue without this essential financial support. I am particularly concerned that the newly proposed guidelines would cause Fit4Kids to lose out on funding opportunities that directly benefit RPS students and the community in the following ways: 

First, the state will limit each applicant to five project submissions per funding cycle, and being a non-infrastructure project applicant, the City of Richmond is faced with losing out on opportunities to apply for other higher-cost projects. This puts the Richmond City Safe Routes to School program projects, and other Safe Routes to School programs across the state at a disadvantage, keeping SRTS from being able to secure the necessary funding and support to sustain the program. We have already witnessed other SRTS partners across Virginia be forced to discontinue their programs, due to challenges and limitations with funding. 

Second, I am concerned that the newly proposed language limits the percentage of a SRTS program’s budget that can be applied for through a TAP grant. For example, in the final year of the grant, a $100,000 program would only be able to secure $24,000 toward program costs, versus $80,000 which is currently allowable.

Respectfully, I urge you to reconsider these proposed revisions, and how they would impact the safety and wellbeing of students in Richmond, and beyond. Thank you for your time and consideration in preserving funding for Safe Routes to School. 

Sincerely,

Elizabeth H Spencer 

I am writing as a concerned Richmond Public School Parent regarding the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funding, particularly the impact it would have on the City of Richmond’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. 

For years, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids has been an invaluable resource in supporting the Richmond City SRTS initiative, which has benefited many Richmond Public Schools (RPS) students in our community. This program has made a difference in improving safety for children and families, promoting healthier transportation options, and reducing traffic and speeding around schools. Through initiatives like the crossing guard program, Learn to Bike programs, and special events like Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day, Fit4Kids has helped make walking and biking to school a safer and more accessible choice for students and their families. 

Richmond’s SRTS program, and others across the state, would be negatively impacted, possibly being forced to reduce their work or discontinue without this essential financial support. I am particularly concerned that the newly proposed guidelines would cause Fit4Kids to lose out on funding opportunities that directly benefit RPS students and the community in the following ways: 

First, the state will limit each applicant to five project submissions per funding cycle, and being a non-infrastructure project applicant, the City of Richmond is faced with losing out on opportunities to apply for other higher-cost projects. This puts the Richmond City Safe Routes to School program projects, and other Safe Routes to School programs across the state at a disadvantage, keeping SRTS from being able to secure the necessary funding and support to sustain the program. We have already witnessed other SRTS partners across Virginia be forced to discontinue their programs, due to challenges and limitations with funding. 

Second, I am concerned that the newly proposed language limits the percentage of a SRTS program’s budget that can be applied for through a TAP grant. For example, in the final year of the grant, a $100,000 program would only be able to secure $24,000 toward program costs, versus $80,000 which is currently allowable.

Respectfully, I urge you to reconsider these proposed revisions, and how they would impact the safety and wellbeing of students in Richmond, and beyond. Thank you for your time and consideration in preserving funding for Safe Routes to School. 

Sincerely,

Katherine Jones

I am writing as a concerned parent and Richmond resident regarding the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program grant funding, particularly the impact it would have on the City of Richmond’s Safe Routes to School.

For years, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids has been an invaluable resource in supporting the Richmond City SRTS initiative, which has benefited many Richmond Public Schools (RPS) students in our community. This program has made a difference in improving safety for children and families, promoting healthier transportation options, and reducing traffic and speeding around schools. Through initiatives like the crossing guard program, Learn to Bike programs, and special events like Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day, Fit4Kids has helped make walking and biking to school a safer and more accessible choice for students and their families. 

Richmond’s SRTS program, and others across the state, would be negatively impacted, possibly being forced to reduce their work or discontinue without this essential financial support.

Respectfully, I urge you to reconsider these proposed revisions, and how they would impact the safety and wellbeing of students in Richmond, and beyond. Thank you for your time and consideration in preserving funding for Safe Routes to School. 

Sincerely,

Emma Johnson

My voters have made it clear that safe routes to schools are an important priority in their lives.

For years, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids has been an invaluable resource in supporting the Richmond City SRTS initiative, which has benefited many Richmond Public Schools (RPS) students in our community. This program has made a difference in improving safety for children and families, promoting healthier transportation options, and reducing traffic and speeding around schools. Through initiatives like the crossing guard program, Learn to Bike programs, and special events like Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day, Fit4Kids has helped make walking and biking to school a safer and more accessible choice for students and their families. 

Richmond’s SRTS program, and others across the state, would be negatively impacted, possibly being forced to reduce their work or discontinue without this essential financial support. I am particularly concerned that the newly proposed guidelines would cause Fit4Kids to lose out on funding opportunities that directly benefit RPS students and the community in the following ways: 

First, the state will limit each applicant to five project submissions per funding cycle, and being a non-infrastructure project applicant, the City of Richmond is faced with losing out on opportunities to apply for other higher-cost projects. This puts the Richmond City Safe Routes to School program projects, and other Safe Routes to School programs across the state at a disadvantage, keeping SRTS from being able to secure the necessary funding and support to sustain the program. We have already witnessed other SRTS partners across Virginia be forced to discontinue their programs, due to challenges and limitations with funding. 

Second, I am concerned that the newly proposed language limits the percentage of a SRTS program’s budget that can be applied for through a TAP grant. For example, in the final year of the grant, a $100,000 program would only be able to secure $24,000 toward program costs, versus $80,000 which is currently allowable.

Respectfully, I urge you to reconsider these proposed revisions, and how they would impact the safety and wellbeing of students in Richmond, and beyond. Thank you for your time and consideration in preserving funding for Safe Routes to School. 

- Andrew Breton, member Richmond City Council

As a parent and an active community member within Richmond, I am concerned about the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funding. These changes would impact the City of Richmond’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program and its important work. 

For years, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids has been an invaluable resource in supporting the Richmond City SRTS initiative, which has benefited many Richmond Public Schools (RPS) students in our community. This program has made a difference in improving safety for children and families, promoting healthier transportation options, and reducing traffic and speeding around schools. Through initiatives like the crossing guard program, Learn to Bike programs, and special events like Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day, Fit4Kids has helped make walking and biking to school a safer and more accessible choice for students and their families. 

Richmond’s SRTS program, and others across the state, would be negatively impacted, possibly being forced to reduce their work or discontinue without this essential financial support. I am particularly concerned that the newly proposed guidelines would cause Fit4Kids to lose out on funding opportunities that directly benefit RPS students and the community in the following ways: 

First, the state will limit each applicant to five project submissions per funding cycle, and being a non-infrastructure project applicant, the City of Richmond is faced with losing out on opportunities to apply for other higher-cost projects. This puts the Richmond City Safe Routes to School program projects, and other Safe Routes to School programs across the state at a disadvantage, keeping SRTS from being able to secure the necessary funding and support to sustain the program. We have already witnessed other SRTS partners across Virginia being forced to discontinue their programs due to challenges and limitations with funding. 

Second, I am concerned that the newly proposed language limits the percentage of a SRTS program’s budget that can be applied for through a TAP grant. For example, in the final year of the grant, a $100,000 program would only be able to secure $24,000 toward program costs, versus $80,000 which is currently allowable.

Respectfully, I urge you to reconsider these proposed revisions, and how they would impact the safety and wellbeing of students in Richmond, and beyond. Thank you for your time and consideration in preserving funding for Safe Routes to School. 

I am writing as a concerned stakeholder regarding the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funding, particularly the impact it would have on the City of Richmond’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.  As a active servant of the community, I have great concerns on the impact of the safety and wellbeing of our kids in the community.  

For years, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids has been an invaluable resource in supporting the Richmond City SRTS initiative, which has benefited many Richmond Public Schools (RPS) students in our community. This program has made a difference in improving safety for children and families, promoting healthier transportation options, and reducing traffic and speeding around schools. Through initiatives like the crossing guard program, Learn to Bike programs, and special events like Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day, Fit4Kids has helped make walking and biking to school a safer and more accessible choice for students and their families. 

Richmond’s SRTS program, and others across the state, would be negatively impacted, possibly being forced to reduce their work or discontinue without this essential financial support. I am particularly concerned that the newly proposed guidelines would cause Fit4Kids to lose out on funding opportunities that directly benefit RPS students and the community in the following ways: 

First, the state will limit each applicant to five project submissions per funding cycle, and being a non-infrastructure project applicant, the City of Richmond is faced with losing out on opportunities to apply for other higher-cost projects. This puts the Richmond City Safe Routes to School program projects, and other Safe Routes to School programs across the state at a disadvantage, keeping SRTS from being able to secure the necessary funding and support to sustain the program. We have already witnessed other SRTS partners across Virginia be forced to discontinue their programs, due to challenges and limitations with funding. 

Second, I am concerned that the newly proposed language limits the percentage of a SRTS program’s budget that can be applied for through a TAP grant. For example, in the final year of the grant, a $100,000 program would only be able to secure $24,000 toward program costs, versus $80,000 which is currently allowable.

Respectfully, I urge you to reconsider these proposed revisions, and how they would impact the safety and wellbeing of students in Richmond, and beyond. Thank you for your time and consideration in preserving funding for Safe Routes to School. 

Sincerely,

Jamal Slappy

As a nonprofit organization committed to youth development, our environment, and community health in Richmond, we are deeply concerned about the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), particularly in how they would affect non-infrastructure programs like Safe Routes to School (SRTS).

For years, Groundwork RVA has partnered with Richmond City’s Safe Routes to School initiative to support students and families in accessing safe, healthy, and equitable transportation options. The proposed changes could dramatically reduce the effectiveness and reach of these efforts, particularly in historically underserved communities.

Specifically:

1. Limiting applicants to five project submissions per funding cycle will put cities like Richmond at a disadvantage. As the City attempts to balance infrastructure needs with essential non-infrastructure programs like SRTS, these arbitrary caps could force critical youth- and safety-focused programs off the table.

2. Reducing the percentage of allowable TAP funding for non-infrastructure projects jeopardizes the sustainability of programs that have proven impacts on student health, safety, and equity. Under the proposed change, a program currently eligible for $80,000 would only be eligible for $24,000 in its final year—making it nearly impossible for organizations to continue delivering meaningful, long-term work.

Active transportation programs are not luxuries—they are lifelines. They help kids arrive at school safely and ready to learn, reduce neighborhood traffic risks, improve health outcomes, and support climate resilience in our communities. Undermining the funding for these programs runs counter to the Commonwealth’s stated goals around equity, safety, and sustainability.

We urge you to reconsider these proposed changes and ensure TAP remains a robust, accessible, and equitable funding stream that supports both infrastructure and the essential programs that make transportation alternatives truly work for our communities.

I am writing to share concerns about the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) application process and the significant negative impact they could have on Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiatives in localities similar to Harrisonburg.

Harrisonburg’s SRTS program, revitalized in late 2024, has made remarkable progress in just six months. We’ve reconnected with all ten public schools, planned the return of bike education programs, launched walking and biking group pilots at elementary schools, and are building strong community momentum around events like Bike & Roll to School Day this May—expected to be our largest yet, engaging thousands of students. This progress has been possible thanks to the presence of a dedicated SRTS Coordinator working closely with school and community partners and our SRTS program.

The newly proposed TAP application requirements, however, introduce excessive and unrealistic administrative burdens that threaten the viability of this work. Specifically, requiring localities to complete detailed asset inventories for bicycle fleets and to track individual bike part purchases—down to associating expenses with specific bikes—is an enormous and unnecessary strain. These tasks are not only time-consuming but are also prone to error, especially for small teams or single-staff coordinators. In practice, they create roadblocks that deter schools from participating in bike safety education altogether.

These new requirements do not support safety—they hinder it. It shifts the focus from engaging students and building safe infrastructure to tracking serial numbers and receipts. For communities like Harrisonburg, where staff capacity is already limited, these added requirements can easily become the reason programs stall or fail to expand. We are also concerned that a minor administrative misstep could result in non-reimbursable costs, discouraging future participation and investment in maintenance or growth of walking and bike programs.

Even more concerning is how the phasing of SRTS noninfrastructure (SRTS-NI) funding reflects a prioritization mismatch when viewed in the context of the broader TAP program. The total cost of fully funding a coordinator and basic program operations in a locality like Harrisonburg is modest, especially compared to the multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects TAP regularly supports. Yet, after just two years, this support is significantly reduced and eventually eliminated, despite clear, measurable benefits like increased student safety awareness and school participation. From a cost-efficiency standpoint, continued investment in SRTS-NI programs is a smart and relatively low-cost way to improve community health, reduce traffic congestion, and build long-term infrastructure demand. Cutting or phasing out support for these programs represents a missed opportunity to make a high-impact investment for a small fraction of the overall TAP budget.

These challenges are compounded by a noticeable lack of support from VDOT over the past eight months. Communication has been minimal, resources and guidance scarce, and there are no clear systems in place to navigate the new demands. If the goal is to “support new programs” through phased funding, how can that be achieved when current programs are not given the tools they need to thrive? Without a dedicated website, active engagement, or responsive assistance, there is no infrastructure in place to ensure the success of either existing or future SRTS initiatives.

I respectfully urge VDOT to reconsider the proposed TAP changes and to engage with local SRTS Coordinators and small locality stakeholders before implementing requirements that may do more harm than good. Equitable, effective support—not more barriers—is what’s needed to keep Virginia’s students walking, biking, and rolling safely to school.

Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter.

5 project application limit:

The localities of Richmond City and Henrico County have historically each submitted more than 5 project applications for funding through VDOT's TAP program. Under the new proposed guidance, these localities would not be able to fund as many designed and shovel ready projects to support active and safe mobility in the Richmond region, slowing progress toward state and local goals towards roadway safety. Additionally, in the FY 27 - 28 application cycle, under the proposed rule, Richmond's existing Safe Routes to Schools program would have to be included in their maximum number of five projects. With the funding cap for SRTS slated to be incrementally lowered over the next 4 years, the total amount of funding Richmond could receive for transportation safety will effectively be reduced impacting local transportation safety efforts.

Safe Routes to Schools:

The loss of funding opportunity for Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) programs through VDOT's TAP grant may lead to a loss or program reduction in Richmond's Safe Routes to Schools program that currently supports child health and safety on Richmond streets. SRTS programs increase the number of students bicycling and walking to and from school while simultaneously improving safety for children bicycling or walking to school. SRTS helps set students up to make healthy and active transportation choices throughout their lives.

Virginia will need both infrastructure and non-infrastructure interventions in order to achieve the goals outlined in Virginia's Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) and Virginia’s Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) initiative. According to VDOT crash data, between 2016 - 2024, a total of 129 people under the age of 18 years old were hit by a vehicle while walking in Richmond. SRTS is rated a 3-star ("Likely to be effective based on balance of evidence from high-quality evaluations"), low-cost, and highly popular intervention in NHTSA's "Countermeasures That Work" guidance. SRTS help make the streets and roads that students travel safer through crossing guards, safety assessments, and pedestrian and bicyclist road safety skills.

SRTS provide education for children, families, parents, and teachers about safe walking and biking behavior and safe driving behavior around young pedestrians and bicyclists, two highly vulnerable road user groups in Virginia.  the Richmond City SRTS initiative has benefited many Richmond Public Schools (RPS) students. Through initiatives like the crossing guard program, Learn to Bike programs, and special events like Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day, SRTS has helped make walking and biking to school a safer and more accessible choice for students and their families. Richmond's SRTS program has also been essential to supporting Richmond's commitment to Vision Zero, lending expertise in discussions of other transportation safety projects near schools.

Continued funding for existing SRTS programs aligns with local, state, and federal objectives to increase the number of children and adults who bike and walk and reduce the number of children and adults who are killed or injured in traffic collisions. Safe Routes to Schools is a program promoted by VDOT's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), VDOT and VDH's joint statewide program Prioritizing Active Transportation, Health, and Safety (PATHS), and the Virginia Walkability Action Institute. Additionally, SRTS is a program promoted by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Active People, Healthy Nation program as there is demonstrated evidence that SRTS increases physical activity in students and reduces risk of injury from traffic collisions. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2030 program has set a goal of increasing the proportion of adolescents who walk or bike to get places (PA-11). Locally, Richmond's Safe and Healthy Streets Commission and the Richmond Department of Public Works have supported and included SRTS in previous rounds of TAP funding. Without continued opportunity for funding though the TAP grant program, the progress made by these programs to develop and support local SRTS programs and reach these goals statewide, including in Richmond, may be lost.

I am writing as a concerned Richmond City Public Schools parent regarding the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funding, particularly the impact it would have on the City of Richmond’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. 

For years, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids has been an invaluable resource in supporting the Richmond City SRTS initiative, which has benefited many Richmond Public Schools (RPS) students in our community. This program has made a difference in improving safety for children and families, promoting healthier transportation options, and reducing traffic and speeding around schools. Through initiatives like the crossing guard program, Learn to Bike programs, and special events like Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day, Fit4Kids has helped make walking and biking to school a safer and more accessible choice for students and their families. 

Richmond’s SRTS program, and others across the state, would be negatively impacted, possibly being forced to reduce their work or discontinue without this essential financial support. I am particularly concerned that the newly proposed guidelines would cause Fit4Kids to lose out on funding opportunities that directly benefit RPS students and the community in the following ways: 

First, the state will limit each applicant to five project submissions per funding cycle, and being a non-infrastructure project applicant, the City of Richmond is faced with losing out on opportunities to apply for other higher-cost projects. This puts the Richmond City Safe Routes to School program projects, and other Safe Routes to School programs across the state at a disadvantage, keeping SRTS from being able to secure the necessary funding and support to sustain the program. We have already witnessed other SRTS partners across Virginia be forced to discontinue their programs, due to challenges and limitations with funding. 

Second, I am concerned that the newly proposed language limits the percentage of a SRTS program’s budget that can be applied for through a TAP grant. For example, in the final year of the grant, a $100,000 program would only be able to secure $24,000 toward program costs, versus $80,000 which is currently allowable.

Respectfully, I urge you to reconsider these proposed revisions, and how they would impact the safety and wellbeing of students in Richmond, and beyond. Thank you for your time and consideration in preserving funding for Safe Routes to School. 

Sincerely,

Samantha Baker

Hi!

I am writing as a concerned stakeholder regarding the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funding, particularly the impact it would have on the City of Richmond’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.   I am personally impacted by these programs at my children's neighborhood school, Mary Munford Elementary School.

For years, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids has been an invaluable resource in supporting the Richmond City SRTS initiative, which has benefited many Richmond Public Schools (RPS) students in our community. This program has made a difference in improving safety for children and families, promoting healthier transportation options, and reducing traffic and speeding around schools. Through initiatives like the crossing guard program, Learn to Bike programs, and special events like Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day, Fit4Kids has helped make walking and biking to school a safer and more accessible choice for students and their families. 

Richmond’s SRTS program, and others across the state, would be negatively impacted, possibly being forced to reduce their work or discontinue without this essential financial support. I am particularly concerned that the newly proposed guidelines would cause Fit4Kids to lose out on funding opportunities that directly benefit RPS students and the community in the following ways: 

First, the state will limit each applicant to five project submissions per funding cycle, and being a non-infrastructure project applicant, the City of Richmond is faced with losing out on opportunities to apply for other higher-cost projects. This puts the Richmond City Safe Routes to School program projects, and other Safe Routes to School programs across the state at a disadvantage, keeping SRTS from being able to secure the necessary funding and support to sustain the program. We have already witnessed other SRTS partners across Virginia be forced to discontinue their programs, due to challenges and limitations with funding.  

Second, I am concerned that the newly proposed language limits the percentage of a SRTS program’s budget that can be applied for through a TAP grant. For example, in the final year of the grant, a $100,000 program would only be able to secure $24,000 toward program costs, versus $80,000 which is currently allowable.

Respectfully, I urge you to reconsider these proposed revisions, and how they would impact the safety and wellbeing of students in Richmond, and beyond. I have close friends who work for these organizations, they are kind, giving and simply make our public school systems a better place.  Thank you for your time and consideration in preserving funding for Safe Routes to School. 

Sincerely,

Emily Erpelding

Members of the Commonwealth Transportation Board, 

As the 7th District Representative for the Richmond City School Board, I ask that you reconsider the proposed guidelines for the Transportation Alternatives Program as it relates to Safe Routes to School (SRTS). Students of Richmond Public Schools (RPS) rely on the community and safety provided by the crossing guard program, and look forward to the encouragement programs provided by Fit4Kids during Walk to School Day and Bike to School Day. We’ve also seen a large number of first and second graders learn how to ride a bike in a short period of time thanks to Fit4Kids Learn to Ride program. 

The SRTS- specific funding and project limits would directly harm the Richmond SRTS program. This program has been vital to student safety and wellness in my district, and across the city, by making active transportation more accessible, providing bike and pedestrian safety education, and giving our students a healthy and active start to the day. Many students in my district walk or bike to and from school each day, and the absence of such a program would be detrimental to our community. 

Please consider what these changes would mean for SRTS in our city, and across the Commonwealth. 

Sincerely, 

Cheryl Burke

7th District

Richmond City School Board 

I am writing on behalf of the East Coast Greenway Alliance (ECGA) to oppose the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) in Virginia. These proposed changes would negatively impact the Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) program in the Commonwealth as well as limit active transportation network development across Virginia.

In particular, we oppose changes that would limit TAP applications to 5 per jurisdiction per grant cycle as well as restrictions on the percentage of program costs that can be covered by TAP. We would like to see expanded SRTS programming in the Commonwealth, not limiting current programs.

We encourage VDOT to bring any proposed changes to TAP before active transportation stakeholders (planners, staff, elected officials, advocates) across the Commonwealth to ensure that changes that are made truly strengthen TAP and programs like Safe Routes to Schools.

Sincerely,

Elliott Caldwell

East Coast Greenway Alliance

As the parent of two Richmond Public Schools students, I am extremely concerned about the proposed changes to the Virginia Safe Routes to School program in the Transportation Alternative Program Guide. The plan for no new FY29-30 funding, and to make existing programs ineligible funding after the FY27-28 cycle will lead to the destruction of the few remaining VA Safe Routes to School programs in the state. 

Students across the country, state, and Richmond deserve to be able to travel safely and independently. Our youth deserve the type of advocacy that Safe Routes does to improve our city's infrastructure and community transportation safety education, so that as they grow into adulthood, they aren't forced to bear the burden of car ownership and dependency on fossil fuel consumption. The students of Richmond, and beyond, deserve to have cleaner air, resulting from fewer vehicle emissions in proximity to their schools and across their city. We know that active transportation is beneficial for both physical and mental health, especially when routes for active transportation aren't life-threatening.

Safe Routes to School programs are integral in improving public health outcomes and support climate resilience. Conversely, the leading cause of death in children has been, and continues to be from injuries sustained as a passenger in a car. Recent research supports the concern that commuting by private vehicle has negative mental health impacts, like depression and anxiety. According to the EPA: 

The main human activity that emits CO2 is the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil) for energy and transportation… The largest sources of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions include passenger cars, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and light-duty trucks, including sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. These sources account for over half of the emissions from the transportation sector. The remaining greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector come from other modes of transportation, including commercial aircraft, ships, boats, and trains, as well as pipelines and lubricants. Indirect emissions from electricity are less than 1 percent of direct emissions.

Neither of my children are able to commute to their schools without having to navigate at least one road on our city's High Injury Network. In 2017, Richmond, VA made a commitment to Vision Zero, working towards zero deaths on our city's streets by 2030. Our local Safe Routes program is an integral part of considering the part that children play in road safety in Richmond. Frustratingly, the City of Richmond is not adequately compensated by the loss of revenue from state controlled real estate within our limits, with more than 20% of Richmond's real estate being tax exempt. Each year city hall is forced to make sacrifices in the budget, and funding for a Safe Routes to School program in the city cannot be guaranteed, once existing programs are deemed ineligible. 

By the end of the 2024-25 school year, our local Safe Routes program will have delivered a three-week Learn to Ride program to over 1,500 RPS elementary school children. Those students are learning a life-long skill that can support their social, educational, emotional, financial, and physical well-being, while improving safety for themselves and others in the community. 

Please consider not implementing the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program Guide, and consider restoring the independent VA SRTS program that served our state's localities from 2005 through the 2021-22 school year.

Sincerely,

Tara FitzPatrick
RPS Parent