The United Way of Erie County and the City of Erie are continuing a nearly decade-long partnership to help ensure students can safely walk to and from school.
The Safer Walking Routes Initiative evaluates the conditions students encounter on their way to school, identifying potential hazards and recommending improvements. The program reviews factors including crossing guards, traffic signals, lighting, sidewalks and other environmental concerns.
The initiative also analyzes traffic crash reports and crime data from the previous year to pinpoint areas where additional safety measures may be needed.
United Way of Erie County President MIKE Jareeszewicz said the collaboration has led to several infrastructure improvements across the city.
“The city of Erie over the years has aligned a number of grants to update school zone signage, improve sidewalks and enhance safety measures in different priority areas,” Jareeszewicz said. “They’ve also installed signage, so motorists and neighbors are aware of school walking routes.”
City and United Way officials say the ongoing partnership focuses on making the daily trip to school as safe as possible for Erie students through data-driven planning and targeted infrastructure improvements.