Mayor, Councilmembers, and Staff,
I am writing regarding the proposed changes to funding for the Safe Routes
to School position for the City of Menlo Park.
I strongly value the work this program does to ensure the safety of
children traveling to and from school, and I also understand the need to be
fiscally responsible.
Council recently determined Safe Routes to be a city priority, and Im
wondering how all of this ties together:
• Will the responsibilities currently handled by this position be
maintained going forward?
• Will community outreach, safety audits, and infrastructure improvement
efforts continue — and if so, who will oversee them?
• How will the city ensure continuity in partnerships with schools,
parents, and local organizations?
If next year has more room in the budget, would the position be brought
back?
What Ive appreciated about the City SRTS program are 1) the quarterly
meetings that provide a space for schools, MPPD/APD, and city staff to
collaborate and hear from each other, 2) guidance and material support on
school Bike Rodeos (especially as a new parent volunteer), 3) providing
much-needed graphic design assistance for Walk and Wheel maps, ABC pledges,
and more. Additionally, the City SRTS works with MPPD to host the city-wide
Bike Rodeo which was a huge hit this year.
I understand that budget decisions are often difficult, and I appreciate
the councils thoughtful consideration of community priorities. Thank you
for your time and your service to our community.
Respectfully,
Meredith Bergin Bailey
Laurel Elementary School Safe Routes
