While remote drop-offs are a program component that can be used year-round, they can be especially effective in encouraging students to walk, bike, or roll to school in the winter months!
Michigan’s snowy and cold winter months often reduce active transportation to and from school. As a result, arrival and dismissal traffic can increase. This creates potentially unsafe situations for students who continue to walk, bike, or roll to school during winter.
How can we address this? Consider implementing a remote drop-off. Remote drop-offs allow students to be driven by car or bus partway to school, then walk, bike, or roll the remaining distance, often with an adult guide. We recommend selecting a location along a sidewalk or path that is regularly cleared of snow.
Bonus for parents and local businesses! Some communities have opted to work with local businesses, such as coffee shops, to use their parking lots as Remote drop-off locations. This allows parents to pick up a hot coffee or treat on a cold morning, and allows the business to use its involvement with and support of Safe Routes to School as promotion for their business!
For more information on starting your own remote drop-off, visit the Safe Routes to School Guide’s Park and Walk page.