We have wonderful news to share! TART has been involved with the Safe Routes to School coalition at TC West Middle School since 2006 and we just received word that the project has been awarded a grant through the Michigan Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Initiative.

Traverse City West Middle School, in partnership with the Grand Traverse County Road Commission, TART Trails and the Charter Township of Garfield, will implement safety improvements and educational programming to improve the opportunities for students to travel safely between their homes and the school. Project components include installing a non-motorized path on Silver Lake Road and implementing a school-based walking and biking club. The project budget is $188,263.

Safe Routes to School (SR2S) is a national and international movement to make it safe, convenient, and fun for children to walk or bike to school. The West Middle School SR2S coalition began meeting in 2006 and includes students, parents, TCAPS staff and representatives from Garfield Township, TART Trails, GT County Road Commission, law enforcement and fire services as well as other community leaders.

We’ll keep you in the loop on this project!