Buckeye Reporter

Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio, announced several new projects aimed at enhancing safety for K-12 students who walk or bike to school. He said that these initiatives would benefit the health and future of children. The announcement was made on the social media platform X.

"Today we announced several projects to improve safety for K-12 students who walk or bike to school," said Mike Dewine. "These are more than just transportation projects, they are investments in the health, safety, and future of our children."

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio’s Safe Routes to School initiative has allocated $7.6 million in 2025 for projects across 19 counties. These projects aim to improve crosswalks, sidewalks, and overall student safety. The department noted that such grants have contributed to a reduction in injury rates where improvements were implemented.

As reported by the journal Pediatrics, there were 5,499 pedestrian-vehicle collisions involving school-age children in Ohio from 2012 to 2023. The highest risks were identified in low-income urban neighborhoods, underscoring the necessity for expanded Safe Routes to School efforts.

The Ohio Department of Transportation also indicated that funding for Safe Routes to School in Ohio has increased to over $64 million since its inception. This funding has supported more than 550 projects statewide, with $7.6 million earmarked for 24 new projects in 2025, reflecting a consistent investment in student safety.

According to the National Governors Association, DeWine has served as Ohio’s governor since 2019. He previously held positions as a U.S. senator and attorney general and is recognized for his focus on public health, child safety, and infrastructure policy.