New law allows schools to fund Safe Routes programs with speeding ticket revenue

By Dan Persky

A new law will allow Illinois schools to funnel more into programs that make biking and walking to school safer and easier.

Until Gov. Pat Quinn signed SB 75 into law this summer, schools would receive money from speeding tickets, but couldn’t put that money toward Safe Routes to School programs like safety education and sidewalk improvement.

The law still requires speeding drivers ticketed in a school zone to pay an additional $50, which goes to the local school district.

When you couple that money with Active Trans’ new Safe Routes to School grant (link to that story), we will be able to help more school districts develop innovative programs that help their students commute to school in fun and active ways.

We are excited to work with partners like the Illinois Association of School Boards and Illinois State Board of Education to make sure schools know about the new law.

If you have any questions, please contact me at dan@activetrans.org or 312.427.3325 x 229.

Dan Persky is Active Trans’ Walk Across Illinois Program Director and Counsel.