To encourage safety and good planning in the new school year, several federal Web sites are offering back to school resources for parents and students.

The Department of Transportation is highlighting its Safe Routes to School program, an initiative that encourages children to walk or bicycle to school, and to make sure that the routes they take are safe and appealing. If children walk or bicycle to school, they will get exercise, reduce air pollution, lower fuel consumption, and reduce traffic. More than 10,000 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia participate in this program. For more information, visit the National Center for Safe Routes to School’s Web site.

The U.S. government’s official Web portal, USA.gov, has created a Back to School Web page that offers tips and resources for parents and educators who need to prepare for the school year. The site features a variety of topics, including keeping up with immunizations, financial assistance for families, homework help for students, lunch planning, and school supply shopping.

Resources:

Learn more about the Safe Routes to School program, at safety.fhwa.dot.gov/saferoutes/.

Find free resources at the National Center for Safe Routes to School’s Web site at saferoutesinfo.org/.

Visit the Back to School Web page, at usa.gov/Topics/Back_to_School.shtml.

Visit usa.gov.