CARRBORO, NC – The Town of Carrboro Planning Department is working to update its Safe Routes to School Strategic Action Plan with funding support from a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Safe Routes to School Non-Infrastructure Grant. This plan will guide efforts to make it safer, easier, and more enjoyable for students to walk, bike, or roll to school at Carrboro Elementary School, McDougle Elementary School, Morris Grove Elementary School, McDougle Middle School, and Carrboro High School.
As part of the planning process, the project team will:
- Evaluate how students are currently getting to school.
- Listen to residents, parents, school staff, and community members about their needs and ideas.
- Develop strategies and action steps—such as new sidewalks, safer crossings, or programs like a walking school bus—to support safe, active travel.
Why update the plan now?
Carrboro’s last Safe Routes to School Strategic Action Plan was adopted in 2012. A lot has changed since then! Today, the Town is focused on:
- Addressing current safety concerns and infrastructure needs around our schools.
- Supporting healthy habits by encouraging more walking, biking, and rolling.
- Reducing traffic congestion and stress during school drop-off and pick-up times.
Project Schedule
- Fall 2025: Review existing Town policies and the 2012 plan; collect data on student travel patterns; engage families, schools, and community members through surveys, school walk audits, and pop-up events.
- Winter 2025: Draft an updated plan that identifies priority routes, safety improvements, and programs for each of Carrboro’s five schools.
- Spring 2026: Share the draft plan with the community for public review and feedback before adoption.
How can you get involved?
Your voice is essential—whether your child walks, rides the bus, or carpools. Visit our project website to:
Together, we can make Carrboro’s routes to school safer, healthier, and more enjoyable for everyone.