Bresnahan, Scholten introduce bipartisan bill to make routes to school safer for children

WASHINGTON, DC — On June 14, U.S. Representatives Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) and Hillary Scholten (MI-03), bipartisan members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced the Kids on the Go Act that would make it safer and easier for children to walk and bike to school across the country. 

“The Safe Routes to School Program is a worthwhile approach to keeping our children and their communities safe,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “I'm proud to introduce the Kids on the Go Act with my colleague Rep. Scholten. This bipartisan legislation is an investment in the children of Northeastern Pennsylvania by incentivizing safe bike paths and walking routes to improve the safety of our neighborhoods.”

Pennsylvania and Michigan are national leaders in the Safe Routes to School program, making this bill a direct investment in the safety and well-being of children in both representatives’ districts. The program has been proven to reduce traffic accidents involving children, increase physical activity, and improve neighborhood safety. By lowering the cost burden for states to employ program coordinators, the Kids on the Go Act ensures this program remains strong and expands to benefit more communities nationwide.

“As the first mom to represent West Michigan, I know that no family should have to worry about their child’s safety on the way to school,” said Rep. Scholten. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with Rep. Bresnahan on this bipartisan effort because keeping kids safe isn’t a partisan issue, it’s just the right thing to do. The Kids on the Go Act gives states the tools they need to keep kids safe while promoting healthy, active lifestyles for our children.”

The bill would reduce the non-federal cost share for states that hire a full-time Safe Routes to School coordinator from the current 20 percent down to just 5 percent. These coordinators play a critical role in developing and maintaining safe infrastructure, education programs, and community engagement efforts that protect children as they travel to and from school. States like Pennsylvania and Michigan, where dedicated coordinators are already in place, have seen firsthand how this investment leads to safer, healthier, and more connected communities.

The bill’s bipartisan support reflects a shared recognition of the importance of child safety and infrastructure investment that meets the needs of both urban and rural communities.

“Safe Routes Partnership applauds the leadership of Representative Scholten in championing this important legislation,” said Marisa Jones, Managing Director of Safe Routes Partnership. “Michigan’s strong Safe Routes to School program–supported by a dedicated statewide coordinator–has been a model of success, helping reduce traffic injuries and fatalities while building stronger, connected communities where kids and people thrive. This bill would help other states follow Michigan’s lead, ensuring every child can walk and bike to school safely.”

“When neighborhoods are safer and more walkable, people are more active–and that means a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes,” said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy of the American Heart Association. “The Kids on the Go Act of 2025 would strengthen the Safe Routes to School program, helping families access safe, active ways to get to and from school. This proven initiative can reduce traffic crashes by up to 44% and returns $4.40 in health and safety benefits for every $1 invested. The American Heart Association applauds Reps. Scholten and Bresnahan for championing healthier, safer communities where everyone can live a longer, healthier life.” 

“At Pennsylvania Downtown Center, we hear firsthand the demand for Safe Routes to School programs from communities of all sizes—from small towns and rural communities to larger urban areas,” said Sam Pearson, Healthy Communities Program Manager, Pennsylvania Downtown Center. “Through the PA WalkWorks program, we hosted a statewide Safe Routes to School webinar series in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the national Safe Routes Partnership and were overwhelmed by the interest from communities across the Commonwealth. Representative Bresnahan’s leadership on this bill is a crucial step toward meeting that need. Investing in safe, connected places to walk and bike—starting with Safe Routes to School—improves not just the health and safety of our residents, but also drives local economic development by making our communities stronger:  more vibrant, livable, and connected.”

“In Scranton, many children--not to mention their parents and caregivers--walk and bike to school, parks, and other places in their neighborhood,” said Todd Pousley, Director of Community Development, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania. “For some this is a choice, but for the 16% of households in the city that don't own a vehicle, it's a necessity. At NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, we have led Safe Routes to School initiatives to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists along busy Main Avenue in West Scranton and received overwhelmingly positive responses from community members. We thank Congressman Bresnahan for introducing the Kids on the Go Act, which will make traveling throughout our community safer for everyone.”

“Here in Pittsburgh, we work to make it safer and easier for kids to walk and bike to school through Walk and Roll to School Days, organizing bike buses, Learn to Ride classes, and partnering with schools and the City’s Safe Routes to School program,” said Scott Bricker, Executive Director, Bike Pittsburgh. “But we know there’s much more that can be done statewide. Representative Bresnahan’s leadership on this bill is exactly what Pennsylvania needs to strengthen Safe Routes to School efforts and empower communities to build safer, healthier, and more connected places for families. We’re proud to support this effort and look forward to working together to make Pennsylvania’s streets safer for everyone who walks, rides, and rolls.”

“The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is proud to partner with the City of Philadelphia’s Safe Routes Philly program on efforts like piloting the city’s first School Streets, supporting bike giveaways, and teaching kids to ride at community schools in North Philadelphia,” said Chris Gale, Executive Director, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. “But there’s still so much more work to be done to make walking and biking safe, convenient, and connected for all families across Pennsylvania. Representative Bresnahan’s leadership on this bill is a critical step forward. We applaud his commitment to helping every child and every community across the Commonwealth access the benefits of Safe Routes to School."