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Few controlled evaluations of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiatives have been conducted. The Texas Childhood Obesity Prevention Policy Evaluation (T-COPPE) study included three conditions: schools awarded infrastructure (I) projects (n = 23), schools awarded noninfrastructure (NI) projects (n = 21), and matched comparison (C) schools (n = 34). research-article2015Hoelscher et al. 211Fourth-grade children completed tallies to determine transport to/from schools. Serial cross-sectional surveys were collected from students and parents at baseline (2009) and follow-up (2012). Data were analyzed using mixed linear regression and growth curve models. Morning percent active commuting to school (ACS) in I and NI schools were higher than C schools (p = .024, p = .013, respectively). Afternoon percent ACS in NI schools decreased more over time compared with C schools (p = .009). I and NI school students had higher ACS self-efficacy; similar results were noted for parents in I schools. Policies that provide cost-reimbursement funding for SRTS achieve modest short-term ACS outcomes, with few differences between types of funding allocations.

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In an effort to understand factors influencing the implementation and outcomes of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program in Texas, interviews were conducted in 2014 with 34 community-and state-level stakeholders involved in the 2007 SRTS grant program. Participants were asked a series of multiple-choice and open-ended questions about SRTS program planning, implementation, and sustainability. Transcribed responses were organized and grouped according to thematic elements using standard qualitative methods. Results indicate the SRTS program was perceived as beneficial by providing funds for both infrastructure and education projects. Although most community representatives reported accomplishments toward planned goals (improved infrastructure and perceived increase in active commuting), many had significant challenges including lack of communication and up-front funding, and difficulty navigating the regulatory process. Future SRTS programs should be structured to be more compatible with community-based needs and limitations, provide adequate underlying infrastructure and resources, and include at least partial funding up-front.