Welcome to the DSR

An active transportation system for kids, with kids

Physical activity has a powerful impact on a child’s brain health and development. Children who participate in physical activity before school are better prepared to learn, to connect with others, and to deal with life’s challenges. Because of this, we think the school day starts when a child begins their journey to school. Our aspiration is to get 100% of kids who live close enough using active transportation (walk, bike, wheelchair, scooter, etc.) to get to and from school daily.

100% of students walking or wheeling to and from school every day.

Our fundamental belief is that if we want all kids to walk/wheel to school for the benefit of their brain health, then we must create a transportation system that is designed based on their needs and desires. This will ensure that students can and want to use active transportation to get to and from school. Creating safe, convenient, and desirable walking routes for kids to get to school is an investment into their health and development.

2021-2022 School Year

This school year will be a busy one for the DSR as we engage more school communities. With generous funding from the McNally Foundation, we’ll be adding 26 new elementary schools to the DSR. If you would like to get your school involved, please contact us using the form at the bottom of this page.

We will be continuing our work at the original pilot schools, as we still have lots to learn about how to get more students walking and wheeling to school. Our main project at each school will be creating ‘Student Streets’, starting with wayfinding signs. Additional projects can be found on the school pages.