AASHTO Journal - New MassDOT ‘Safe Routes to School’ Yard Sign Contest

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recently kicked off its 10th annual “Safe Routes to School” or SRTS Yard Sign Design Contest.

[Above image by MassDOT]

The agency said this yearly contest helps raise awareness for transportation-related themes that help support safety for walking and biking to school and is open to students in second through eighth grade who attend participating SRTS partner public schools.

Sponsored by MassDOT with funds from the Federal Highway Administration, the Massachusetts SRTS program promotes safer routes for students to actively get to and from school by fostering partnerships between community-led organizations, local law enforcement, education leaders, and public health departments. It currently serves more than 1,290 schools in over 285 communities across Massachusetts.

“We take great pride in partnering with schools, communities and today’s youth to promote safety across all modes of travel to and from school,” said Phil Eng, interim MassDOT secretary, in a statement.

Eng – who also serves as the general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, a division of MassDOT – added that by “making it fun for students and adults,” the SRTS program can help “shape a safer, healthier transportation system for everyone who walks, bikes, rides and drives or takes transit across our state.”

MassDOT noted that the theme of its 2026 Yard Design Contest is centered around “no idling.” Students are tasked with creating original designs that highlight the importance of turning off vehicle engines to promote a healthy environment for nearby pedestrians. All designs must be submitted by February 23, the agency said.