Youth Transportation Program - Safe Routes

About

Boulder County’s Youth Transportation Program supports national, state, and local partners, including youth and their caregivers, to prepare our youth to safely and effectively utilize and navigate our transportation systems. We aim to help young people grow into more independent travelers and safe multi-modal transportation users by increasing awareness of and experiences with pedestrians, bicyclists, and/or all vehicle types and by promoting healthy transportation alternatives such as walking and biking/scooting/rolling.

Program Framework - the 6 Es

The Youth Transportation Program uses a combination of strategies that are guided by the 6 Es framework developed by the National Safe Routes to School Partnership.

Chart showing the six Es that are the guiding principles of the Youth Transportation Program: Engagement, Equity, Evaluation, Encouragement, Education, and Engineering

Interested in attending or hosting any of the following sessions? Please let us know.
¿Está interesado(a/e) en asistir u organizar una futura Sesión de Caminar Seguro(a/e) o El Ciclismo Seguro(a/e)? Por favor háganos saber.

Introduction to Bike Trains

Bike Trains are fun and active ways to get to and from school while learning the important skills of being a biker, while also increasing adult presence!

Introduction to Walking School Buses

Walking School Buses (WSB) are fun and active ways to get to and from school while learning the important skills of being a pedestrian, while also increasing adult presence!

Safe Walking Discussion Sessions

Free, interactive, facilitated family discussions held via Zoom.

Sesiones de Discusiones Sobre Caminar Seguro(a/e)

Discusiones familiares, gratuitas, interactivas y facilitadas a través de Zoom.

Safe Biking Discussion Sessions

Free, interactive, facilitated family discussions held via Zoom.

Sesiones de Discusiones Sobre el Ciclismo Seguro(a/e)

Discusiones familiares, gratuitas, interactivas y facilitadas a través de Zoom.

Please send us picture(s) of your participation in these annual events – we would love to highlight it in our monthly newsletter and/or on social media!

To plan an event for your school, check out the resources below. If you need more assistance, reach out to us anytime. (Contact info at bottom of page).

National Bike to School Day logo

May 3, 2023

National Bike to School Day provides an opportunity for schools across the country to celebrate National Bike Month while promoting road safety for the youth who participate and entire communities.

Plan a Bike to School Event

BTSD Word Search

BTSD Crossword

National Walk to School Day logo

October 4, 2023

National Walk to School Day (aka “Walktober”) events bring attention to the joy and value of safe walking and rolling. Along with Bike to School Day, these events can lead to changes in communities’ policies and physical environments that help support safe walking and biking everyday.

Plan a Walk to School Event

WTSD Word Search

WTSD Crossword

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day logo

November 14, 2023

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, created by 5th grade students in San Francisco in 2018, provides an opportunity to teach children about the civil rights movement and today’s social change efforts. The event celebrates the courage of Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old who changed history by becoming the first black child to desegregate an all-white elementary school.

Short Video Lesson

Disney Movie Trailer

Book List

Ruby Bridges Thank You Card 2020

Trip Tracker Program

Trip Tracker encourages and rewards students and their families for using alternatives to single family car transportation to school, with the goal of reducing traffic congestion and air pollution around schools and building environmentally and physically healthy habits among students. Participating students earn Trip Tracker dollars, which can be used like cash at local business or donated to local nonprofit organizations. The Trip Tracker program is available both for students in the Boulder Valley and St. Vrain School Districts. (BVSD manages its own program while SVVSD’s program is managed by Boulder County but implemented in partnership with SVVSD.)

BVSD Trip Tracker Program SVVSD Trip Tracker Program

More Boulder County School Programs/Resources

Graphic for Safe Routes and Lending Library Educational and Encouragement Resources

Safe Routes Lending Library

To promote and encourage safe walking and biking through events, campaigns, curricula, and projects, the Safe Routes Lending Library offers educational transportation safety resources that are free to borrow for your one-time or short-term events! Check out the items and online request system on the Safe Routes Lending Library page.

Youth and Family-Friendly Busing

There are so many great reasons why youth should learn to ride a bus in Boulder County. While many people of all ages already know how to ride a bus, many have never tried or never learned where our local routes go or how to use the new technology to make riding a bus easier. We hope you’ll find information on this page helpful, so that you can start taking advantage of the many benefits that busing can provide youth and their adults.

Youth and families, if you haven’t already discovered the multiple regional buses and shuttle options throughout Boulder County, plan to give one, or all, a try soon. Here are 5 reasons to give public transportation a shot!

  1. The bus is safe and reliable transportation for kids, students, families, and everybody else!
  2. There is no age limit! Youth 5 and under, however, must be with a fare-paying adult.
  3. Gives families and their child(ren) an opportunity to learn public transportation and gain familiarity with the system.
  4. Gives youth the ability to gain independence.
  5. Multiple regional routes to help youth and families reach your desired destination.

General Information for Youth Riding RTD Buses

Youth-Friendly Destinations Along Boulder County’s Regional Bus Routes (RTD)

The boxes below highlight what each regional bus route throughout Boulder County has to offer youth and their caregivers and/or families. You will find the bus route names, an image of the bus to help you recognize it, where it goes to and from (including bus stop locations), and what youth-friendly destinations can be found within walking and biking distance from each stop. We hope these resources help you find new ways to ride a bus to enjoy additional places for fun, work, exercise, recreation, and more!

Flatiron Flyer (FF) Buses #1-#7

These buses go along CO 36 between Boulder and Denver, through Louisville, Superior, Broomfield, & Westminster.

Destinations Near FF Bus Stops (coming soon!)

FF Route

The BOLT Bus

This bus goes along CO 119/The Diagonal, between Boulder and Longmont, through Niwot & Gunbarrel.

Destinations Near BOLT Bus Stops (coming soon!)

BOLT Route Schedules

BOLT Stations Map

The LD/LD1 Bus

This bus goes along US 287, between Longmont, and Denver.

Destinations Near LD Bus Stops (coming soon!)

LD Route Schedules

LD Stations Map

Additional RTD Bus Routes

  • The NB Bus – Nederland to Boulder
  • The FLEX Goes Between Fort Collins to Loveland, Longmont, Boulder
  • The AB Bus Denver International Airport to Boulder

Local Recreational Shuttles and Bus Route Information Throughout Boulder County

Visit Boulder County Transit Providers webpage for additional details on other available local routes and multiple seasonal recreational shuttles.

Partial picture of first page of Trip Tracker Collective Impact Summary for St. Vrain Valley School District from 2015-2020

Trip Tracker 6-Year Summary (SVVSD)

Because the Trip Tracker Program was paused in St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) for the 2020-2021 school year, it allowed us time to analyze the program’s first 6 years of implementation.

Please check out what you accomplished here. Well done, Trip Trackers!

Cammie Edson (Boulder County) helps 4-year-old attach lights to her new bike

Bicycle Longmont, YMCA gift roughly 200 bikes to children on Saturday

Cammie Edson, Boulder County Youth Transportation Program Manager, volunteered with the Kids (Holiday) Bike Program, which gifted about 200 bikes to children aged 4-12 on Saturday, May 22.

Article published by the Longmont Times-Call on May 23, 2021.

Cover of 2020 statewide program assessment of Safe Routes to School programs in Colorado, featuring a Longmont (SVVSD) familyColorado Safe Routes to School Programs in Colorado – 2020 Statewide Program Assessment Report

This report provides an overview of the state of Safe Routes to School programming in Colorado and a high-level assessment of challenges, innovations, and opportunities. The two Trip Tracker Programs in Boulder County (BVSD and SVVSD) are highlighted as a case study.

The cover photo features a local Longmont family who participated in Trip Tracker at an SVVSD school!

You Have the Power - Tienes el Poder

To Keep Yourself and Others Safe When E-Biking – Para mantener tu seguridad y la de los demás cuando practiques bicicleta eléctrica (e-bike)

You Have the Power/Tienes el Poder is an E-Bike Safety message campaign with corresponding resources, developed specifically for Teens, Families, Caregivers, Schools, and Youth-Serving Agencies and Individuals.

This project came about in response to the growing and on-going local concerns around e-biking safety as the number of e-bicylists and younger e-bicyclist grows, especially on local school campuses, as the affordability and access to e-bikes also grows.

A very dedicated and passionate workgroup of local partners, experts, schools, teens, and families came together to develop the resources below with the following goals in mind:

To encourage current young e-bicyclists to:

  1. Reinforce positive and safe e-biking behaviors,
  2. Learn about available e-bike safety and education resources,
  3. Know that e-biking is a great transportation option!

All of the e-bike resources below are free to access and share.

Age-Specific Legal Information For Teens and Families – Caregiver to Know About E-Biking/E-Bikes

Visit the Colorado Bike Law website and review the specific sections for full details:

  • Section 42-4-1412, 15a – A person under sixteen years of age shall not ride a class 3 electrical assisted bicycle upon any street, highway, or bike or pedestrian path; except that a person under sixteen years of age may ride as a passenger on a class 3 electrical assisted bicycle that is designed to accommodate passengers.
  • Section 42-4-1412, 15b – A person shall not operate or ride as a passenger on a class 3 electrical assisted bicycle unless:
    • Each person under eighteen years of age is wearing a protective helmet of a type and design manufactured for use by operators of bicycles;
  • Section 42-4-1412.5, 1b, 2a-e – Explains the Colorado Safety Stop for all bicyclists.

Additional Helpful Links – Thank You Partners!

  • Community Cycles has E-Bike Commuter and Safety Tips, including additional information on education, rebates, and more.
  • Boulder County’s Office of Sustainability, Climate, And Resilience (OSCAR) has information on the various E-Bike Rebates options locally and statewide, as well as other sustainable transportation options.
  • E-Bike Smart is a free online e-bike rider safety education program designed to help riders of all ages and experience learn best practices for safely and responsibly riding an e-bike. This program was created by PeopleForBikes, the League of American Bicyclists, and Bicycle Colorado.
  • Boulder County’s Mobility for All Program is available to help with accessible, affordable, and equitable multimodal (transit, bike, etc.) transportation options for residents of all ages and abilities and to raise awareness that transportation is a basic social, economic, and health need.

If you have a suggestion for additional e-bike related resource(s) that you believe would be of benefit to teens and families/caregivers, please email your idea(s) for consideration.

Downloadable Campaign Toolkit - Kit de herramientas de campaña descargable

Fliers – folletos

Downloadable PDF Fliers/Folletos PDF descargables:

Youth Transportation flier featuring a picture of a bike and text about safety
Youth Transportation bike safety graphic featuring a photo of a bike and safety information in spanish.

Teens on E-Bike Photos

This photo album is password protected. Community members and parters who helped develop this campaign have access. If you’d like access, please email the Mobility For All team with an explanation of your intended use of the photo(s). This will be reviewed and if deemed appropriate, a Mobility For All team member will email you the password. Please allow up to three workdays for the review to occur: mobilityforall@bouldercounty.gov.

View the photo album

Este álbum de fotos está protegido por contraseña. Los miembros de la comunidad y los colaboradores que ayudaron a desarrollar esta campaña tienen acceso. Si deseas acceder, envía un correo electrónico al equipo de Mobility For All explicando el uso previsto de la(s) foto(s). Esto se revisará y, si se considera apropiado, un miembro del equipo de Mobility For All te enviará la contraseña. Por favor, permite hasta tres días hábiles para que se realice la revisión: mobilityforall@bouldercounty.gov.

Ver el álbum de fotos

Social Media Squares – Cuadrados de redes sociales

Downloadable GIF Graphics/Gráficos GIF descargables:
(open link, right-click on image, choose “save image as”/abra el enlace, haga clic derecho en la imagen, elija “guardar imagen como”)

Graphic that says "You Have the Power"
Graphic that says "You Have the Power" in Spanish: Tienes el podor

Downloadable GIF Graphics – Gráficos GIF descargables:

(open link, right-click on image, choose “save image as”/abra el enlace, haga clic derecho en la imagen, elija “guardar imagen como”)

graphic that says To keep yourself and other safe when e-biking
graphic that says To keep yourself and other safe when e-biking in spanish

Downloadable GIF Graphics – Gráficos GIF descargables:
(open link, right-click on image, choose “save image as”/abra el enlace, haga clic derecho en la imagen, elija “guardar imagen como”)

Graphic that says to control your speed and braking when e-biking
Graphic that says to control your speed and braking when e-biking in spanish

Downloadable GIF Graphics – Gráficos GIF descargables:
(open link, right-click on image, choose “save image as”/abra el enlace, haga clic derecho en la imagen, elija “guardar imagen como”)

Graphic that says to be a proactive ebiker
Graphic that says to be a proactive ebiker in spanish

Downloadable GIF Graphics – Gráficos GIF descargables:
(open link, right-click on image, choose “save image as”/abra el enlace, haga clic derecho en la imagen, elija “guardar imagen como”)

Graphic that says to know your traffic laws when ebiking
Graphic that says to know your traffic laws when ebiking in spanish

Downloadable GIF Graphics – Gráficos GIF descargables:
(open link, right-click on image, choose “save image as”/abra el enlace, haga clic derecho en la imagen, elija “guardar imagen como”)

Graphic that says to be a courteous ebiker
Graphic that says to be a courteous ebiker in spanish

Downloadable JPEG Graphics – Gráficos JPEG descargables:
(open link, right-click on image, choose “save image as”/abra el enlace, haga clic derecho en la imagen, elija “guardar imagen como”)

Graphic that says You Have the Power
Graphic that says you have the power in spanish.

Downloadable JPEG Graphics – Gráficos JPEG descargables:
(open link, right-click on image, choose “save image as”/abra el enlace, haga clic derecho en la imagen, elija “guardar imagen como”)

Boulder County logo along with other organization logos in the program.

Social Media Messages

Control Your Speed and Breaking

Speed and safety go hand in hand! Get familiar with your e-bike’s controls and obey speed limits for a smooth and secure ride. 🚴‍♀️👍

#SafetyFirst #YouHavethePower

Master your e-bike’s speed control and braking system—it’s essential for a safe and enjoyable journey. Practice in different settings to build confidence! 🚲🏞️

#SafetyFirst #YouHavethePower

⚡ Don’t be shocked by your e-bike’s speed!⚡Remember, safe riding is all about control and braking.

#SafetyFirst #YouHavethePower

Controla tu velocidad y frenado

Velocidad y seguridad van de la mano! Familiarícese con los controles de su bicicleta eléctrica y respete los límites de velocidad para disfrutar de un recorrido tranquilo y seguro. 🚴‍️👍 #LaSeguridadPrimero #TieneElControl

Dominar el control de velocidad y el sistema de frenado de su bicicleta eléctrica es esencial para un viaje seguro y agradable. ¡Practique en distintos entornos para ganar confianza! 🚲🏞️

#LaSeguridadPrimero #TieneElControl

⚡¡No se deje sorprender por la velocidad de su bicicleta eléctrica! ⚡Recuerde que una circulación segura se basa en el control y el frenado. #LaSeguridadPrimero #TieneElControl

Know Your Traffic Laws

Obey traffic laws, wear your helmet, and use proper lighting—standard rules to follow while e-biking to keep everyone safe on the road! 🚦🔆

#TrafficLaws #YouHavethePower

Traffic laws aren’t optional, even for e-bikers. Follow the rules, wear a well-fitted helmet, and respect age-related regulations for a responsible and enjoyable ride. 🛣️🧢

#TrafficLaws #YouHavethePower

🚴‍️ Pedal power meets electric thrill! 🚴‍ Just remember the rules of the road: one passenger per e-bike, unless it’s made for 2! And don’t forget the most stylish accessory – a well-fitted helmet!

#TrafficLaws #YouHaveThePower

Conozca sus leyes de tránsito

Obedezca las normas de tránsito, lleve puesto el casco y utilice la iluminación adecuada: ¡normas estándar que debe seguir mientras circula con la bicicleta eléctrica para mantener la seguridad de todos en la carretera! 🚦🔆 #LeyesDeTránsito #TieneElControl

Las leyes de tránsito no son opcionales, ni siquiera para quienes circulan en bicicleta eléctrica. Siga las normas, lleve un casco que le quede bien y respete las normas relativas a la edad para disfrutar de un recorrido responsable y agradable. 🛣️🧢 #LeyesDeTránsito #TieneElControl

#LaSeguridadPrimero #TieneElControl

🚴‍️ ¡La potencia del pedal se une a la emoción eléctrica! 🚴‍️‍ ¡Recuerde las normas de circulación: un pasajero por bicicleta eléctrica, a menos que sea para dos! Y no se olvide del accesorio más elegante: ¡un casco que le quede bien! #LeyesDeTránsito #TieneElControl

Be a Courteous E-Biker

Courteous e-bikers are protected e-bikers! Slow down, use turn signals, and make eye contact at intersections to promote a friendly and secure biking environment. 🚴‍️😊

#CourteousRiders #YouHavethePower

Courtesy matters! Announce yourself when passing others, signal your intentions, and maintain eye contact to ensure a harmonious biking experience for everyone on the roads. 🚴‍️👋

#CourteousRiders #YouHavethePower

Courtesy matters! Announce yourself when passing others, signal your intentions, and maintain eye contact to ensure a harmonious biking experience for everyone on the roads. 🚴‍️👋

#CourteousRiders #YouHavethePower

Sea un ciclista eléctrico cortés

Los ciclistas respetuosos son los ciclistas protegidos. Reduzca la velocidad, utilice los intermitentes y establezca contacto visual en los cruces para fomentar un entorno ciclista agradable y seguro. 🚴‍️😊

#CiclistasRespetuosos #TieneElControl

¡El respeto es importante! Anúnciese al adelantarse a los demás, señale sus intenciones y mantenga el contacto visual para garantizar una experiencia ciclista armoniosa para todos en las carreteras. 🚴‍️👋

#CiclistasRespetuosos #TieneElControl

Reduzca la velocidad, toque el timbre de su bicicleta y diga “¡Paso por la izquierda!”. Los movimentos de señalización electrónica o manual hacen que las carreteras sean mucho más seguras. 🚴‍️ 🤝

#Ciclistasrespetuosos #TieneElControl

Be a Proactive Biker

How can you be more proactive when e-biking? Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid distractions, and do safety checks often for worry-free and fun rides! 🚨🧐

#StayAlert #YouHavethePower

Safety starts with you, e-bikers! Assume others may not have seen you, minimize distractions, and ride along with traffic for everyone’s well-being. 🚴‍️👀

#StayAlert #YouHavethePower

E-bikers unite! It’s time to be ‘Watt’ we call proactive. Do those safety checks like a pro! 🚴‍

#StayAlert #YouHaveThePower

Sea un ciclista eléctrico proactivo

¿Cómo ser más proactivo en el uso de la bicicleta eléctrica? Preste atención a su entorno, evite las distracciones y realice controles de seguridad con frecuencia para disfrutar de un viaje divertido y sin preocupaciones. 🚨🧐

#PresteAtención #TieneElControl

Ciclistas: ¡La seguridad comienza por ustedes! Asuma que otros pueden no haberle visto, minimice las distracciones y circule junto al tráfico por el bienestar de todos. 🚴‍️👀

#PresteAtención #TieneElControl

¡Ciclistas unidos! Es tiempo de la potencia “Watt” proactiva. ¡Haga las comprobaciones de seguridad como un profesional! 🚴‍ #PresteAtención #TieneElControl

Boulder County School Travel Study

Boulder County School Travel Study /
Estudio de Viajes Escolares del Condado de BoulderCU Denver seeking research participants - how does your family travel before, during, and after school?

Thank you to everyone who participated in one of fifteen small-group interview sessions or a 1:1 interview. CU Denver is currently analyzing the data collected from partners and study participants (students ages 9 to 18 who attend public schools in either of Boulder County’s two school districts and their parents or caregivers). All 111 youth and adults (44 families) who self-selected to participate in either an English only, a Spanish only, or a combined English/Spanish small-group session (in-person or virtually) were compensated for their time with a VISA gift card. A final study report is expected in December 2022. To receive study related updates, please subscribe to the Boulder County Youth Transportation newsletter and/or texts. To request a study presentation, please reach out to Cammie Edson at cedson@bouldercounty.org or 303-441-3935.

Learn More En español

Youth Transportation Options - Ways to get around Boulder County

Use this guide/checklist to explore and/or check off which options could help get you to and from school, work, friends’ and family members’ homes, or anywhere you want to go.

Boulder County youth transportation options checklist in English
Boulder County youth transportation options checklist in Spanish

Safe Walking, Biking, and Rolling Resources

These resources are designed to help educators, parents, and others who care about pedestrian safety to engage children and youth in activities and conversations around pedestrian and road safety. Most materials are available online for free and are suitable for use in a school setting or one-on-one at home.

Walk, Bike, and Roll Challenge!

Walk, Bike, Roll Challenge chart and certificateThis challenge is designed to encourage school groups and classrooms to engage in healthy, fun, and safe outdoor activity before, during, or after school. Anyone can download and print this activity tracking chart and this certificate of achievement to use with their group – we’d love to hear from you if you do this!

Printing tips:

  • Select the landscape orientation within your printer settings.
  • Choose to print either in color or Black & White.
  • Paper size:
    • The Chart is set up to print on 17” x 11” paper size.
    • The Certificate is setup to print on an 8.5” x 11” paper size in black and white or color.

How to use:

  • Add the name of each participant to a row and then check off every day that person walks, bikes, or rolls (i.e. scooter, skate, bus, etc. – anything other than a family vehicle with only family members) to school, clubs, or any other activities!
  • Pairs well with:
    • Bike & Roll to School Day/Month in May
    • Back to School Month each August and September
    • Walk to School Month each October
    • Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day/Day of Service each November
    • Any month you’d like to focus on encouraging more walking, biking, and rolling before and/or after school!
Cover of Safe Routes to School Guide for parents & caregivers

Traffic Gardens

Traffic gardens (also known as safety towns) are a miniature world of streets and traffic features that provide an opportunity for children to practice navigating streets and intersections in a fun and safe environment. Traffic gardens may be permanent facilities or temporary installations.

BVSD Traffic Gardens

State & National Resources

National Safe Routes to School Partnership

Safe Routes to School provides funding and implementation support for Safe Routes to School programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These programs include education, promotion, and enforcement campaigns and advocate for policies and infrastructure improvements that support safe walking and bicycling.

See programming recommendations for the 2020/21 school year, including recommendations for remote, hybrid, and in-person learning.

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Safe Routes to School Program

A one-stop shop for schools, school districts, or communities who want to start a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. Resources include grant applications, free webinars (and recordings), annual events, and toolkits/lesson plans/curricula.

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