In 2011 Butte County Public Works and Butte County Public Health collaborated on the writing of a Federal Safe Routes to School Grant to increase the walk / bike-ability around Oakdale Heights Elementary School in Oroville.
Public Works designed enhancements for:
- Infrastructure around the school to provide much-needed sidewalks
- ADA corners
- Pedestrian-controlled crossing signals
- Speed monitors
- Re-routing crosswalks
These enhancements allow children to walk on sidewalks where there once was only dirt and to cross with a clear signal to motorists using Las Plumas Avenue. Public Health has been providing pedestrian and bike education to the students at the school since the early 2000s. Currently, Public Health, along with the "Carrot Ladies" from the UC Cooperative and student interns from Chico State conduct monthly Walk, Bike, or Roll to School days.
With the new Safe Routes to School Grant, BCPH will be working on the following activities through June 2017:
- Work closely with 4-6th grade classes to provide pedestrian and bike safety education
- Create a "Pedestrian Safety Rodeo" complete with props and hands-on demonstrations
- Students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade will participate in the rodeo to increase their road safety skills
- Bike Rodeo