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Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School is a program helping to create safe, convenient and encouraging activities for Bethel students to walk, roll and bike to and from schools. This is important for the health and safety of our students while contributing to our community’s livability.

Bethel works to increase physical activity while improving walking and bicycling conditions throughout the district in partnership with our local officials. Program elements of Safe Routes to School are based upon national best practices related to the 6 E’s.

 

 

Questions?
Please contact us!

Dr. Rachel Tochen
Safe Routes to School Program Coordinator
Email: rachel.tochen@bethel.k12.or.us
Phone: 541-688-9612 Ext. 3212

Eugene-Springfield SRTS Website

The 6 E’s

  • EQUITY – We strive to distribute resources and educational opportunities equitably across the district and incorporate equity into each of the other E’s listed below.

  • EDUCATION – Pedestrian Safety Education for second graders and Bicycle Safety Education for fifth graders are offered in classrooms.

  • ENCOURAGEMENT – Bike + Walk to School Day and May is Bike Month activities are available to students; resources for transportation options such as carpooling, Walking School Buses, Park and Stride, and Bike Trains are available for interested parties.

  • ENGAGEMENT – Creating opportunities for engagement and input into Safe Routes programming and initiatives by listening to students, families, teachers, and school leaders and working with existing community organizations. Ideas or proposals for programs are welcome.

  • ENGINEERING – Improvements to the built environment are studied and coordination with local jurisdictions happen for things such as; traffic signals, traffic calming, pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, bicycle parking and signage when funds are available.

  • EVALUATION – Classroom tallies and parent surveys are used to determine needs and program effectiveness.

Student Transportation Options

E-bikes and more

E-bikes and other e-devices have become an increasingly popular choice for getting students to school. However, with the increase in e-bikes there has also been an increase in e-motos, which have led to increased severity in injury to students and community members.

Looking for ways to help your student get to school? Here are some helpful resources to explore. If you're considering an e-bike, remember: safety comes first. Make sure it's a proper electric bicycle—not an e-moto—that's designed for safe, everyday travel. (List the basic e-bike identifiers motor no more than 1,000 watt motor, pedals, the motor must not propel the bike faster than 20 mph on level ground without pedaling.)

By staying informed and making thoughtful choices, we can help our children navigate their journeys confidently and safely—because their well-being is our top priority.

Additional information from Oregon Department of Transportation can be found here.

    • Oregon Micromobility, Moped and Mini Motorcycle Guide
    • E-Bikes are legally bicycles and can only go 20 MPH with a throttle, or 28 MPH with pedal assist only. 
    • Anything that can go over 20 MPH with a throttle is NOT an e-bike, it’s an e-moto and illegal to ride everywhere in Eugene except private property.
    • Visit one of Eugene’s many local bike shops for help choosing a legal e-bike. 

  • Anyone 16 or older can ride an e-bike. Kids younger than 16 should stick to regular bicycles, scooters and skateboards. Regardless of what your child rides, make sure they ride 20 MPH or less and have learned the rules of the road. 

Tip Sheets

Additional Resources

Volunteer

Shift Community Cycles (Community Partner)