The Seattle Department of Transportation is giving away up to $1,000 mini-grants to schools, PTAs or other school-related nonprofit groups that encourage students to walk or ride their bikes to school or improve walk and bike safety. All schools, both public and private, are eligible to apply.

“Mini-Grant funds can be used to create a Walking School Bus, plan a Bike Rodeo, organize a Bike Train, create incentive programs encouraging walking &/or biking to school,or purchase new safety gear for school crossing guard programs,” the SDOT website states. Last year several Ballard-area schools benefited from this program. The Bike Commuters of Ballard HS, the Loyal Heights PTA “Undriving” program, North Beach PTA “Pedestrian Safety and Encouragement” program, the Salmon Bay Walking School Bus, and the West Woodland Bike Safety Training program all received grants. Applications (.pdf) must be submitted by October 30th.