As students prepare to return to classrooms, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is now accepting applications for its Safe Routes to School program. The initiative offers funding to projects that promote safer walking, biking, and rolling options for students traveling to and from school.
“Safe Routes to School improvements not only give kids safe, healthy choices to get to school, but they strengthen entire communities,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “We encourage our local partners to apply and look forward to seeing another round of impressive community-led projects.”
Funded through federal dollars and administered by IDOT, the program aims to reduce traffic congestion, fuel consumption, and air pollution while encouraging healthy habits and improving safety around schools serving students from kindergarten through high school.
This year’s funding cycle includes $12 million in available grants, with a maximum award of $250,000 per project. Eligible proposals can include sidewalk construction, bicycle facilities, traffic-calming measures, public education efforts, and accessibility improvements for individuals with disabilities.
Applicants must demonstrate how their projects encourage students to walk, bike, or roll to school. Eligible entities include school districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and regional planning agencies. Priority will be given to schools with a high percentage of low-income students or students with disabilities.
The application deadline is October 13th, with awards announced in spring 2026.
To learn more about the program, view eligibility criteria, or register for informational webinars, visit the Safe Routes to School homepage at https://idot.click/SRTS
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