Mayor Daley’s Safe Routes Ambassadors are Chicago’s pedestrian and bicycle safety outreach team. We meet with thousands of Chicago students each year, teaching kids about safe walking and biking behavior, talking about the benefits of active transportation, and helping communities implement Safe Routes to School activities.

The Safe Routes Ambassadors are a free city service through the Chicago Department of Transportation, and are available to visit any elementary school in Chicago.

Services offered by the Safe Routes Ambassadors:

In-class Presentations
The Safe Routes Ambassadors teach pedestrian safety to second graders and bicycle safety to fifth graders using an interactive, skills-based method. Lessons are based on Illinois State Learning Objectives and encourage students to realize the many benefits of active transportation.

On-foot Training
After hosting an in-class safety presentation, a school may schedule an on-foot workshop with the Ambassadors. During this outdoor workshop, second graders practice their street-crossing skills, building on concepts learned in the first lesson. Fifth grade workshops involve outdoor observation of traffic followed by a discussion of traffic safety.

Workshops for School Organizers
There are many ways your school community can organize Safe Routes to School activities. The Safe Routes Ambassadors would be happy to meet with your school’s PTA, LSC, or community group to discuss the possibilities!

Teacher Resources
Visit the Tools for Educators section of Safe Routes to School for lesson plans, worksheets, games, and ideas on how to incorporate transportation, health, and environmental issues into classroom instruction.

Request/Contact Information:
To request the Safe Routes Ambassadors for an in-class presentation, click on “Request the Ambassadors!”, fill out the form and fax to the Program Coordinator at 312-742-2422.

To request the Safe Routes Ambassadors for a different workshop, or for assistance starting a Safe Routes to School program in your community, contact the Program Coordinator directly by phone or by email (click on “Contact” for the most up-to-date contact information!).