Back to School Together

Schools are welcoming students back to in-person learning while continuing to adjust to the impacts of the global pandemic. Before the school day begins, students need to arrive safely, on-time, and ready to learn so safe transportation between home and school is a critical part of school re-opening and student success. At the same time, school re-opening guidance has come from many sources so it can be confusing for school districts, communities, and caregivers to understand options for safe travel and prevention strategies for reducing COVID-19 transmission.

Whether walking, biking, riding the school bus or traveling by private vehicle, steps can be taken to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and promote health. Every community and school has different challenges and strengths to bring to the effort.

Committee on Safe & Healthy Journeys to School During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

The Committee on Safe & Healthy Journeys to School During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond was formed in spring of 2021 to support safe travel for students between home and school for full-time, in-person school re-opening in the fall. To fulfill its commitment to safety, the committee recognized the need to highlight key strategies for school travel; create one location for school travel-related guidance; and to share ideas and examples of good practices learned through school and community strategies implemented during the 2020-2021 school year.

Members

Phyllis Agran, MD, American Academy of Pediatrics

Laurie Beck, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Wesley Blount, Federal Highway Administration

Marilyn Bull, MD, American Academy of Pediatrics

Natalie Draisin, FIA Foundation

Cass Isidro, Safe Routes Partnership

Michelle Lieberman, Safe Routes Partnership

Lauren Marchetti, National Center for Safe Routes to School

Jeff Michael, Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy

Nancy Pullen-Seufert, National Center for Safe Routes to School

Kristin Rosenthal, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Ronna Weber, National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services

The committee was convened by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy, and FIA Foundation.