Mental Health Awareness Month and the Benefits of SRTS
Published on May 13, 2025
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the City of Menlo Park would like to highlight how the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs help support the well-being of students.
Active transportation, including walking, biking and rolling, helps promote mental health. Choosing active transportation to your daily destinations, helps improve mental health, reduce stress and increase focus.
Active Transportation and Mental Health
Studies have shown that regular physical activity, including walking and biking, supports mental health by:
- Reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression
- Improving mood and emotional regulation
- Enhancing cognitive function and focus
Walking or biking to school also provides an opportunity for daily exercise without the pressure of structured physical activities. In addition, exposure to the outdoors allows students to enjoy fresh air and natural surroundings, reducing stress and improving cognitive function.
Building Independence
Walking or biking to school encourages students to develop a sense of independence and responsibility. When students can safely walk or bike to school, including as a group, they gain a sense of confidence in their Photo upload
ability to navigate the world around them. This kind of independent travel can help build resilience, another key aspect of mental health.
Social Benefits
Walking and biking to school offer important social advantages. Walking school buses, for example, provide opportunities for students to meet new neighbors, friends and school staff. Social interaction is a critical component of mental well-being, as it fosters a sense of belonging and emotional support.
These benefits aren’t exclusive to students. Parents and caregivers that participate in the SRTS Program also open new opportunities to connect with neighbors and the school community. Some ways of participating in the Menlo Park SRTS Program include:
- Leading or supervising a walking school bus
- Helping with bike safety events at schools, such as bike rodeos
- Advocating for Safe Routes in your community
How SRTS programs supports mental health
SRTS programs not only provide routes for walking and biking but also promote the benefits of physical activity and mental health and help foster a healthier, happier future for the entire community.
By providing a variety of activities and resources at our schools, the Menlo Park SRTS Program supports:
- Making streets safer for all road users through infrastructure improvements
- Encouraging students to walk or bike to school regularly
- Instilling habits that support long-term physical and mental health
Take a step toward better mental health and commit to walking or biking to school in the month of May!