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