Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School helps make it easier and safer for children living at MetroWest to walk, bike or roll to school by providing information on the best routes and resources for families.
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program at Fairfax County Public Schools helps students safely walk, bike, or use other active transportation options to get to school.
Walking or biking to school is a great way for students to build independence, stay active, and start the day energized. Connections at MetroWest makes it easy for families to find safe routes to nearby schools, along with tips to help children travel confidently and safely.
Whether your child walks with you, rides with friends, or bikes to school, these resources can help make every trip a safe one.
Walking Routes to Nearby Schools
Marshall Road Elementary
730 Marshall Rd SW, Vienna, VA 22180
Walking time: 20 – 25 mins
Recommended Walking Route
- Leave the MetroWest Community using the pedestrian walkway toward the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro Station.
- Walk across the pedestrian bridge over I-66.
- Continue along the sidewalk beside the Metro parking garage toward Virginia Center Boulevard.
- Cross Virginia Center Boulevard using the marked crosswalk.
- At Nutley St SW, use the signalized crosswalk to safely cross.
- After Nutley St, the road becomes Marshall Rd SW. Marshall Road Elementary will be on your right.
Oakton High School
2900 Sutton Rd, Vienna, VA 22181
Walking time: 15 – 20 minutes
Recommended Walking Route:
- Follow the pedestrian walkway toward Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro Station.
- Cross the pedestrian bridge over I-66.
- Walk alongside the Metro parking garage to Virginia Center Boulevard.
- Turn left onto Virginia Center Boulevard.
- Cross Sutton Road at the marked crosswalk.
- Oakton High School will be directly ahead
Walking Safety Tips
Help your child build safe habits before they head out on their own.
Use the Sidewalk
Use the sidwalk whenever one is available
Cross Safely
Cross at marked crosswalks or intersections
Look Both Ways
Left → Right → Left before crossing
Wait for WALK
Check the signal before crossing
Stay Alert
Put away phones and headphones
Be Visible
Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially when visibility is low
For more walking resources and safety tips, visit these sites:
Bike to School
Biking is a fun, healthy, and efficient way to get to school.
Before riding, make sure your student knows the rules of the road, and practice the route to school with them.
Biking Safety Tips
Wear a Helmet
Always wear a properly fitted helmet
Ride with Traffic
Ride in the same direction as traffic
Follow the Rules
Obey traffic signs and signals
Signal Your Turns
Use hand signals when turning
Ride Predictably
Ride in a straight line and avoid sudden movements
Watch for Crossings
Pay attention when entering driveways or crossing streets
Be Visible
Use bike lights or reflectors when visibility is low
Lock Your Bike
Secure your bike at the school’s bike racks
Stay Alert
Avoid headphones and looking at your phone while riding
Looking for Another Way to Get to School? Try SchoolPool!
Find Your School Commute Crew with SchoolPool
SchoolPool makes it easy to connect with other families in your neighborhood who travel to the same school. Whether you’re looking to carpool, start a walking group, or bike together, SchoolPool helps you find families with similar routes. You can even create a transit trip itinerary directly from your match list, making it easier to plan the trip that works best for you.
Why Join School Pool?
Joining SchoolPool makes the school commute easier, safer, and more enjoyable for the whole family.
- Find nearby families traveling to the same school.
- Share the ride by forming carpools, walking groups, or biking groups.
- Reduce morning stress by sharing transportation responsibilities.
- Help your child build confidence while traveling with trusted families.
- Cut down on traffic around your school.
How it Works
How it Works
Once a family opts-in to a specific school’s program using the school’s link, SchoolPool connects them with nearby families or families who live along your route to share the ride via carpool, walking, biking, or Metro together. Your information remains confidential. Only basic contact information, such as your phone number and e-mail, will be shared with potential matches.
Don’t Have SchoolPool at Your Child’s School? Be the One to Start It!
Encourage your school to join the SchoolPool program by sending an email to your school’s administration. Copy and paste the text below to use our email template.
Dear Principal [Insert Name Here],
I’d love to see our school join SchoolPool, a free, secure system that helps families share the ride to school. It’s administered by Commuter Connections, part of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG).
SchoolPool helps reduce traffic congestion during arrival and dismissal, eases pressure on school transportation, and strengthens connections among families. Commuter Connections provides the SchoolPool platform for FREE to schools; your only responsibility is to promote the program to families at school.
How it works: Families opt-in to a specific school’s SchoolPpool program, using a link exclusive to each school. Once enrolled, they can connect with nearby families or others traveling a similar route to carpool, walk, bike, or take transit together.
Contact Commuter Connections at ridematching@mwcog.org or 800-745-7433 to learn more!
Sincerely,
[Insert Your Name]