Learning from Fort Collins

Bringing Safe Routes to School Innovations to Vermont

This past October, I attended the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) National Conference in Fort Collins, Colorado. The experience was both energizing and inspiring—not just from the innovative practices I saw but also from recognizing how Vermont is unique but still shares so many common challenges and successes with other states.

Residential street in Fort Collins, which is remarkably wide with no markings on the pavement.

A Note on “Big” Streets

One striking observation was the sheer scale of Colorado’s streets. Even "small" residential roads were 40 feet wide, and anything above a minor road was at least 90 feet. This abundance of space naturally accommodates bike lanes. However, I’d gladly take Vermont’s narrower rights-of-way and the close-knit communities they foster over the vast, sprawling roads of Fort Collins. That said, Colorado offers valuable lessons applicable to Vermont’s distinct environment—if we focus on adapting the fundamentals. Utilizing Fort Collins’ alleyways and off-street paths to get around was easy and comfortable even if it wasn’t fun to then have to cross 9 lanes of traffic!

Building Coalitions

A key theme of the conference was the power of coalitions. Partnerships between school districts, city planners, transportation departments, public health officials, community leaders, and advocacy groups drove significant progress in many communities. These coalitions connected diverse perspectives under shared goals, producing results greater than the sum of their parts.

In Vermont, Local Motion and walk-bike advocates must strengthen collaborations across towns to address statewide challenges. We also need to focus on bringing underrepresented voices to the table to make change where its impact can be the greatest. Whether it’s pooling resources or aligning goals, coalitions can help scale up efforts and make meaningful change.

emoji with hand on face in a thoughtful expression and questions marks above, looking at a bundle of cash

Funding

Funding dominated many discussions, emphasizing the need for dedicated streams to support SRTS and active transportation infrastructure. Reliable funding ensures consistent, incremental improvements and staff time to manage these projects effectively. In some communities, revenue from municipal gas taxes, penny taxes, or school district bonds were able to fund these initiatives.

Dedicated SRTS coordinators at the school or district level were another inspiring idea. These roles sustain momentum by engaging students, fostering local partnerships, and ensuring programs thrive long-term.

While some Vermont towns allocate funds to active transportation, these often come from general budgets and are subject to cuts. Securing dedicated funding sources would allow advocates to focus on solutions instead of scrambling for resources. Additionally, adopting robust Complete Streets policies at both state and local levels could embed active transportation into every roadway project and alleviate the need for dedicated funding.

Bold Ideas

Colorado’s “rapid response” program, which addresses traffic safety issues immediately after a crash, exemplifies government responsiveness. Quick interventions not only enhance safety but also build community trust.

Many communities at the conference shared their successes championing transformative projects that reshaped their streetscapes that created a ripple effect for further changes. Communities that built regional off-street shared use paths that connected neighborhoods, schools, and businesses saw a drastic change in their communities. By contrast, Vermont often takes a “bottom-up” approach: implementing low-hanging fruit and waiting for ridership to generate demand for larger projects. While pragmatic on paper, this strategy can result in fragmented networks and stalled progress. 

Vermont’s successes, such as the Burlington Waterfront Path, Church Street pedestrianization, and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, show that bold investments pay off. Upcoming projects, like the bike and pedestrian bridge over Exit 14 in South Burlington, hold promise. But how can we push for more visionary initiatives that connect communities and reimagine downtowns?

a bumpout installation in South Burlington: haybales, flowers, and ballard posts arranged to narrow the driving lane and slow trafficVermont’s Unique Opportunities

Despite the challenges our small towns face like narrow roads and limited funding, we can still make meaningful progress. Quick-build interventions—such as painted curb extensions or pop-up bike lanes—offer cost-effective ways to improve safety and perception while allowing us to envision and plan more transformative projects.

Regional coordination is another essential focus. Rural landscapes make safe routes challenging but underscore the importance of linking schools, neighborhoods, and recreation areas safely. The same network of greenways and low-traffic streets that connect communities statewide can also serve to fuel our rural economies.

At the core of these efforts is funding, a perennial struggle in Vermont. Building coalitions that rally behind shared goals can amplify advocacy for safe, healthy, and connected communities.

Looking Ahead: Ambitious Goals for Vermont

The conference left me with many ideas—and even more questions. What would it take to establish a statewide fund for active transportation and SRTS? How can towns implement rapid-response safety measures more easily? How can school districts work more closely with towns and advocates to foster a walking-and-biking culture among students?

The trip to Fort Collins reinforced the importance of dreaming big while staying rooted in Vermont’s unique needs. By building stronger coalitions, securing sustainable funding, and adopting innovative approaches, we can make walking and biking safe, accessible, and joyful for all Vermonters.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities for improving safe routes to school in your community? What challenges have you seen, and how can we overcome them together? Let’s keep the conversation going—and keep moving forward.