Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a national initiative that uses a comprehensive approach to make school routes safe for children when walking and bicycling to school. The program began in the 1990's with an aim to encourage or restore a culture of walking and bicycling among American schoolchildren, grades K-8. Safety is the priority.

Colorado’s SRTS funding sponsors education as well as funds for physical infrastructure; a broad network of local and national programs provide strategic resources and other community-building supports.

In 2022 the City of Cortez was awarded a Safe Routes to School grant to upgrade pedestrian and street surfaces in relation to Mesa Elementary School. Read below for more information on the project and to get involved.

Three people bicycle around the duck pond in Cortez, Colorado.

SRTS Projects in Cortez

Photo of Helen West talking with residents about the Safe Routes to School funding at Mesa Elementar

Mesa Elementary School

The Colorado Department of Transportation awarded the maximum of $750,000 for the Mesa Elementary School project, with the City of Cortez contributing an additional $61,000.

About the Project

The Mesa Elementary School Project will upgrade and improve roadways and sidewalks around Mesa Elementary School, including portions of 7th and Cedar streets. The project provides for enhanced signage, speed controls, and activities to support families, kids, and teachers in promoting a culture of positive, safe walking and bicycling to school. 

Timeline

The design process is expected to pull together feedback and ideas this fall (2024), and construction is expected to begin in Spring/Summer 2026.SRTS-Timeline

Stay Informed & Get Involved

The City of Cortez and Mesa Elementary School is seeking a coalition of parents, staff, and community members to steer the SRTS concept in Cortez, share ideas for mobility and design improvements, and help encourage Cortez children and families in active walking and biking, in feeling safe and protected.

Receive Updates on the Project

Want to stay updated about milestones in this project? Want to hear when construction will start? Interested in being part of the coalition? Click the image below to sign up for updates.

STRS-SignUpList-Screenshot

Take the Community Survey

Do you have children that attend Mesa Elementary School? Are you a teacher or staff? If you are a resident of Cedar and 7th Streets, walk these streets often, or experience traffic delays during school drop-off & pick-up times your input it needed! Click the QR Code below to take the Community Survey on SRTS at Mesa Elementary!

QR Code for Community SRTS Survey

More Information About SRTS

Learn more about the Colorado Safe Routes to School program at the website: https://www.codot.gov/programs/bikeped/saferoutes

Learn more about the national program at: https://www.saferoutesinfo.org/ and https://www.saferoutespartnership.org/

Contact the City of Cortez

The City of Cortez SRTS Program is a partnership between multiple departments and the Montezuma Cortez School District. Please direct questions on the SRTS Program to one of the City Staff listed below: