Octa's transportation blog

Safe Routes to Schools Takes Another Step Forward

Alta Planning + Design, Inc. has been chosen to deliver Safe Routes to School programming throughout Orange County.

The Next Safe Travels Education Program, known as Next STEP, uses education programming and infrastructure to improve safety and encourage students to walk and bike to school.

In 2019, OCTA and the Orange County Health Care Agency began work on an initial STEP campaign, which delivered a wide range of walking and bicycling education and encouragement activities to 25 schools serving disadvantaged communities.

The Next STEP project will build on the success of the initial campaign to provide programming at 25 elementary schools within Orange County. Activities may include assemblies, walk/bike to school days, and training directed at both students and parents. Roadway safety audits will also be conducted to identify potential improvements to enhance safety for students.