Grant program aims to improve safety for students walking, biking to school

Projects that improve safety and infrastructure for students who walk or bike to school may receive grant funding through the second round of the Safe Routes to School mini-grant program.

The program is sponsored by Health by Design, a local nonprofit focused on active living through the built environment.

Grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and are aimed at improving safety and accessibility for students walking or biking to school.

“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to safely and confidently get to school on foot or by bike,” said Marc McAleavy, CEO of Health by Design, in a news release.

The grant program is funded by the Indiana Department of Health, with funding received through the American Rescue Plan Act. Individual schools, community organizations, and local governments are eligible to apply.

Ashlyn Devine, Health by Design’s Director of Advocacy and Grants, said walking or biking to school improves academic performance, attendance and mental health in students.

“These are efforts that aim to increase the number of students who walk, roll and bike to and from school, making it safer, making it convenient, making it fun for the students and all in that idea of physical activity and the benefits to students’ health and wellbeing,” Devine said.

Examples of projects funded by the mini-grants include bicycles for students, crosswalk upgrades, and improved lighting and signage. Devine said some grant recipients organized bike rodeos, where students can practice bike-riding skills like turn signals, avoiding obstacles and quick stops on a training course.

Five schools and organizations received grants in the first round of the program, including Community Heights Neighborhood Association, which used the grant to improve pedestrian safety around Anna Brochhausen School 88.

“These grants are a game-changer,” said Leslie Schulte, former president of the Community Heights Neighborhood Association. “We were able to install traffic-calming demonstrations and begin conversations with families and the city about long-term infrastructure needs. It’s already creating a shift in how people move through the neighborhood—and how they imagine what’s possible.”

Applications for the second round of grants are open through August 22. The third and final round of the mini-grant program will take place in early 2026. To apply or for more information, visit the Health by Design website.