This year, Macon-Bibb County was selected for a major Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative—an honor awarded to only a few communities nationwide. Macon-Bibb secured a grant through the National Center for Safe Routes to School’s “Quick-Build Projects” program, which was made possible through the financial support of General Motors (GM).

With this money, and partnerships through U Create Macon, students painted crosswalks, and crews added bollards on Anthony Road, in front of Ingram-Pye Elementary School. The bollards are in place to create a road diet, which is a transportation planning technique where the number of travel lanes on a road are reduced to improve safety and reduce crashes. These bollards will improve safety for youth, ages from 6-12 years old, who must cross the street to get to and from elementary school.

This road diet intervention is important because it addresses the specific needs of the Ingram-Pye Elementary School community, located in Census Tract 105 in Bibb County, GA. In this area, youth ages 10–19 make up 36% of the population—more than double the county-wide rate of 14%. Additionally, 67% of residents are renters, 54.7% live below the poverty line, and the median household income is just $13,824.

“Given these economic challenges, many families may not have access to private vehicles, making safe, accessible alternatives like walking and biking essential,” said Macon-Bibb Traffic Manager. “Implementing safer routes to school not only supports student safety but also promotes equity by prioritizing the needs of vulnerable roadway users in a historically underserved community.”

In May, students with U Create Macon painted over existing crosswalks to make them more visible for drivers and pedestrians.

“The crosswalk painting for Safe Routes to School Day was an exemplary act of community service by the kids, demonstrating their commitment to safety and making a positive impact in their neighborhood,” said U Create Macon Founder Charise Stephens.

There will be a SRTS Summit on Wednesday, October 1 at the Bibb County Professional Learning Center (2003 Riverside Drive). Times and registration details to be announced at a later date.

This summit will bring together local and state leaders, educators, safety advocates, and community partners to strengthen strategies that keep our children safe while walking and biking to school.