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Councilor Pepin urges full Boston Public Schools partnership with MassDOT Safe Routes to School
Summary
Councilor Pepin introduced a resolution urging Boston Public Schools to enroll fully in MassDOT's Safe Routes to School program, noting fewer than 60 of 103 eligible BPS schools are enrolled and citing the statewide program's reach (over 600,000 students and 1,300 schools). Councilors urged more crossing-guard resources and enforcement around schools.
Councilor Pepin introduced a resolution asking Boston Public Schools to fully partner with MassDOT's Safe Routes to School program, saying the program is free to schools and offers training and tools to protect students traveling to and from class. Pepin said fewer than 60 of 103 eligible BPS schools are enrolled and argued full enrollment would deliver safety and health benefits to students across Boston.
Councilor Worrell and other sponsors described the statewide program's positive outcomes and noted the city program focuses mostly on elementary schools; Worrell praised local staff and named partner schools. Councilor Patel, a cosponsor, said the resolution is important to parents and suggested reviewing bus budgets to return more local service while ensuring safe walking routes. Councilor Flynn emphasized the role of crossing guards and called for stronger traffic enforcement around schools, saying he favored reducing school-area speed limits to 15 mph and asking the police commissioner to step up enforcement.
No final vote on the resolution was recorded during the session; sponsors asked for the matter to be adopted and for staff and school leaders to pursue full enrollment in the state program.
