THERE’S GOOD NEWS: Two grants boost student walking and biking safety in La Pine schools

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend-La Pine Schools gets a boost for student safety, with two grants aimed at making it easier, and safer, for kids to walk and bike to school in La Pine.

The Oregon Department of Transportation awarded Bend-La Pine two grants through its Safe Routes to School program.

The first funds a safe routes to school plan for all four La Pine schools. The goal is to identify hazards and barriers for students who walk or bike, and develop solutions to make those routes safer.

The second grant helps design and install a traffic garden at La Pine Elementary. The hands-on space gives students a place to learn pedestrian and bicycle safety in a controlled environment.

School officials say the investments will help make it safer and more enjoyable for students to walk, bike and roll to school.