In 1969, approximately 50% of U.S. schoolchildren bicycled or walked to school.  Today, that number is fewer than 15 percent.  As a result, kids today are less active, less independent and less healthy.   Programs like Safe Routes to School, and Fire Up Your Feet have a wealth of information to help parents and teachers form healthier, more active and safer kids while walking or bicycling to school.   Looking for a fun and easy way to get started?  Consider starting a Walking School Bus or Bike Train in your neighborhood or at your school.   

• Guidelines for Talking to Children About Pedestrian Safety 
• Pedestrian Safer Journey – Pedestrian safety education videos and resources designed specifically for kids ages 5-9, 10-14 or 15-18.   

In 2010, Dakota County partnered with the Minnesota Department of Health and Independent School District (ISD) 196 to create specific Safe Routes to School plans for each of the 4 public schools in Rosemount.  These plans are provided below and seek to increase walking and bicycling to school through the “Five E’s” - Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Engineering and Evaluation.

• Rosemount Elementary Safe Routes to School Plan
• Rosemount High School Safe Routes to School Plan
• Rosemount Middle School Safe Routes to School Plan
• Shannon Park Elementary Safe Routes to School Plan