New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Priya Jain, the NJDOT Safe Routes Resource Center, and New Jersey’s eight Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) are excited to recognize this year’s NJ Safe Routes to School Recognition Program honorees. In 2026, 421 schools and municipalities displayed their commitment to the Safe Routes to School program by taking steps to support and promote walking and bicycling in their communities. A full list of current winners can be found at the NJDOT Safe Routes Resource Center website.
Safe Routes to School is an initiative administered by NJDOT and other state DOTs, focused on providing support for schools and municipalities to implement programs, events, and infrastructure projects in order to create safe and inviting conditions for students of all ability levels to walk, bike, or use other wheeled devices to get to school.
Participants can receive one of four levels of recognition: First Step, Bronze, Silver, or Gold, depending on their success in implementing SRTS programs. Measures considered by the program include identification of a Safe Routes to School Champion, holding Safe Routes to School events, running a year-round active travel program, or undertaking an infrastructure project to improve walkability or bikeability. Recognition is valid for three years, after which applicants must reapply to maintain their status.
Applications can be submitted either by the school or municipality or with assistance from a Safe Routes to School Regional Coordinator, and the deadline for applications is January 31st. Schools and municipalities that have earned NJ Safe Routes to School Recognition and are also enrolled in the Sustainable Jersey and Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification program can earn points for both programs.
Please visit the NJDOT Safe Routes Resource Center website to find a list of all current winners, learn more about NJDOT’s Safe Routes to School program, find your TMA Safe Routes to School Regional Coordinator, and discover how your school or municipality can make your community more walkable and bikeable.
