Challenge

The Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) was looking to improve walking and biking to and from schools for students within the Cities of Palm Bay, Melbourne, Rockledge, and Cocoa.

Solution

We worked with SCTPO to lead 18 in Brevard County, Florida. Our team collected and reviewed existing conditions data, conducted field reviews of walking, biking, and vehicular routes, and observed school arrival and dismissal operations. We facilitated school coordination meetings with principals, school resource officers, Brevard Public Schools staff, local governments, and SCTPO staff to verify conditions, identify safety issues, and capture local insight. These meetings allowed maps and findings to be refined in real time and ensured recommendations reflected both technical analysis and daily school operations.

Based on these inputs, Kittelson developed draft and final recommendations that focused on actionable improvements such as crossing enhancements, traffic control, sidewalk and trail connections, school zone treatments, and operational strategies. The recommendations included planning-level cost estimates and listed key design considerations to further aid in implementation. The analyses and recommendations were documented in school-specific technical reports using easy-to-read maps and graphics.

Our team also supported the City of Palm Bay in preparing a successful Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Implementation Grant that focused on making crossing improvements and filling in key sidewalk gaps identified through the analysis of school routes. We led the development of the grant application and a cost-benefit analysis effort to translate school safety recommendations into a competitive proposal.