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.
Youth Transportation Program - Safe Routes
Program Framework – the 6 Es
The Youth Transportation Program uses a combination of strategies that are guided by the 6 Es framework framework developed by the National Safe Routes to School Partnership.
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)
Safe Biking Discussion Sessions
Free, interactive, facilitated family discussions held via Zoom.
Sesiones de Discusiones Sobre el Ciclismo Seguro(a/e)
National Bike to School Day (BTSD)
National Bike to School Day provides an opportunity for schools across the country to celebrate National Bike Month during May while promoting road safety for the youth who participate and entire communities.
National Walk to School Day (WTSD)
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.
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day – Nov. 14
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.
Trip Tracker
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.)
Additional Boulder Country School Programs and Resources
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.
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!
- The bus is safe and reliable transportation for kids, students, families, and everybody else!
- There is no age limit! Youth 5 and under, however, must be with a fare-paying adult.
- Gives families and their child(ren) an opportunity to learn public transportation and gain familiarity with the system.
- Gives youth the ability to gain independence.
- Multiple regional routes to help youth and families reach your desired destination.
General Information for Youth Riding RTD Buses
- Bike-N-Ride – Learn about how and where you can bring your bike on the bus
- Age to Ride Requirements
- Youth Costs to Ride
- Bus Trip Planner
- Contact RTD for any help needed at:
- Phone: 303-299-6000
- Online: RTD Denver Contact Us
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!)
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!)
The LD/LD1 Bus
This bus goes along US 287, between Longmont, and Denver. Destinations Near LD Bus Stops (coming soon!)
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.
Downloadable Campaign Toolkit
Fliers – folletos
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.
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.
Social Media Squares – Cuadrados de redes sociales
You Have The Power GIF Graphic / Tienes El Poder Gráficos GIF
To Keep Yourself and Others Safe When E-biking GIF / Para prevenir choques y accidentes cuando montas en bici electrica (e-bike) GIF,/span>
To Control Your Speed and Braking When E-biking GIF / Para controlar tu velocidad y tus frenos cuando anda en bici electrica GIF,/span>
To Be a Proactive E-biker GIF / Se un E-Biker Proactivo GIF
To Know Your Traffic Laws When E-biking GIF / Para conocer las leyes de transito al andar en bici electrica GIF,/span>
To Be a Courteous E-biker GIF / Se Un E-Biker Amable GIF
You Have The Power Circle Graphic / Tienes El Poder Grafico Circular
Youth Transportation Social Media Logos
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
🚴️ ¡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
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.gov or 303-441-3935.
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.
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!
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.
Safe Routes to School Guide.
The Safe Routes to School Guide aims to help children become safe walkers. View the Safe Routes to School Guide PDF.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safer Journey.
State and 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. View the National Safe Routes to School Partnership Page.
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. View the Colorado Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Program.
Other Helpful Links:
- National Center for Safe Routes to Schools
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- The Community Guide
Subscribe to the Mobility for All Newletter:
Map Accessibility Disclaimer
Highlights
Walk, Bike, and Roll Challenge!
Back to School 2023
This challenge is designed to encourage school groups and classrooms to engage in healthy, fun, and safe outdoor activity before, during, or after school.
Trip Tracker 6-Year Summary (SVVSD)
With the return of Trip Tracker in the 23-24 school year, take time to revisit our 6 Year-Summary! Please check out what you accomplished here. Well done, Trip Trackers!
Please check out what you accomplished here. Well done, Trip Trackers!
Local nonprofit donates 200 bikes to kids aged 4-12
Cammie Edson, Boulder County Youth Transportation Program Manager, volunteered with the Kids (Holiday) Bike Program on Saturday, May 22. Read the Longmont Times-Call article.
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.
Benefits of Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
Check out this infographic to learn more about the numerous community benefits of Safe Routes to School programming, which include health, economic, safety, climate, and more!