Franklin Gets Safe Routes to Schools Grant

The Safe Routes to School Program is a statewide initiative designed to make bicycling and walking to school a safer, more appealing and healthier alternative for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Franklin was awarded $212,284 for this initiative. The funds will be used to improve sidewalks, crosswalks, signs and safe walking and biking educational activities.

“Safety is a crucial component in our efforts to promote a healthier lifestyle for Tennessee children,” said Governor Bill Haslam.  “The Safe Routes to School program helps create safer walking and biking environments for students and funds activities to encourage children and their parents to increase their physical activity.” Hunters Bend Elementary School will utilize the Safe Routes to School funds for tunnel improvements in a neighborhood characterized by well-connected streets and a trail network, with the potential of 100% of the student body to walk and/or bicycle to school.

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. This year, TDOT provided more than $1.8 million in Safe Routes to School funds to 12 municipalities for projects across the state.