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Safe & Active Flint

Safe and Active Flint coalition was formed to create a safe and accessible pedestrian-oriented and bicycle-friendly environment for all residents. It consists of local stakeholder groups who will guide the project and advocate for environmental improvements and policy changes that will support active transportation ( walking, bicycling, etc.) in a safe environment.

The Safe and Active Flint project is comprised of three separate programs that target different populations but are focused on the same geographical areas of Flint to maximize results.

Safe Routes to School:

SR2S is an international movement and now a federal program. The goal is to make it safe, fun and convenient for children to walk and bicycle to school.

When routes are safe, walking and bicycling to and from school is an easy for way children to get the  regular physical activity they need for good health.  SR2s also helps ease traffic jams and air pollution, unite neighborhoods and contribute to student’s readiness to learn and participate in school.

For more information about SR2S in Michigan, visit http://www.saferoutesmichigan.org

Safe Routes for Work:

SR4W is a worksite initiative that encourages employees to walk or bicycle to and from work or for short trips during the workday.

One in four Michigan adults are considered overweight or obese.  Sedentary lifestyles contribute to increased rates of chronic disease, which results in higher health care costs.

For an informational brochure, click here.

How Safe Routes Works:

To determine the baseline status for each SR2S and SR2W site, an assessment is completed including: 

  • A survey of stakeholders (e.g., students, parents, employees) about their knowledge and attitudes of their travel behaviors.
  • An evaluation of the immediate environs within and around the building(s) to determine if they are conducive to active transportation, and conducting a walking audit to evaluate safety for pedestrians on a block-by-block basis.

Selected school sites and worksites are in close proximity to one another to achieve a layering effect. Each year, geographically clustered sites and worksites will be added;
And for each additional site, an assessment will be completed.

Complete Streets

This program is a community-wide initiative to “Complete the Streets.”  This includes trainings, assessment of non-motorized transportation policies, development of programs, and advocacy efforts to enhance participation in active transportation Smart Commute.

Complete Streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users.  Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and bus riders of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across a complete street.

The results from these three programs will be integrated to develop a cohesive plan for improving active transportation in Flint.  Implementation of the plan will be an ongoing process led by the SAF Coalition.

Join Us! You are invited to become a part of this vital organization. The SAF coalition meets every 2nd Friday of the month from 10am-12N at the Crim Fitness Foundation. 

Smart Commute:

Smart Commute encourages people to use alternative modes of transportation to get to work, school, or run errands. Instead of driving your car, try bicycling, walking, carpooling or public transit! 

Be Healthy…Every little bit of physical activity you get can help you reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases, such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes.  Finding it difficult to find the time to get regular exercise? Walk or bicycle throughout your workday!

Save Money…Car ownership costs are the second largest household expense. The average annual cost to own, operate and maintain a car is at least $6000.00.  Smart Commuting saves fuel costs, automobile maintenance and parking fees. The cost of Smart Commuting is no more than a good pair of walking shoes, a transit pass or a bicycle.

Protect the Environment…Cars are the single largest source of air pollution in the U.S.

Help make your community a greener place to live by Smart Commuting, Reduce your carbon footprint and make your community cleaner and more livable for future generations.

 Visit these websites for more information on Smart Commute:

For more information about the SAF project or creating healthy, active communities, contact Polly Sheppard, Crim Program Director, at psheppard@flint.org  or (810) 235-7894.

The Safe and Active Flint project is funded by the Ruth Mott Foundation and facilitated through the Michigan Fitness Foundation, in partnership with the Crim Fitness Foundation.