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