CHAPTER 5: STRENGTHS – BARRIERS – OPPORTUNITIES ANALYSIS A strengths, barriers and opportunities analysis of existing policies and programs related to walking and bicycling to school was also performed. This is similar to a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) but tailored for use in SRTS planning. The comments in the following tables are not edited and are not listed in any priority order.
STRENGTHS The main existing strengths within the community are the presence of committed staff and community members, as well as the school’s location contiguous with the City of Ogema. A primary example of the personal commitment to SRTS are stakeholders such as local law enforcement and the school principal who are already involved in student safety around the school and key players in the SRTS Team. The strengths that enhance and support the opportunity for children to safely walk and bicycle to school were gathered by the Ogema SRTS Team and community members and are listed in greater detail in Table 2 below. Recommendations to improve SRTS found in Chapter 9 of this report are built off of many of these strengths. Table 2: Community and School District Strengths
Community Strengths 1
The presence of committed staff and community members at the school and in the City of Ogema.
2
School monitors are present to help direct morning traffic and ensure students can safely access the school from vehicles and buses.
3
The location of the school makes it accessible to those on foot and by bike living within city limits, based on the MnDOT Walk/Bike Zone Concept.
4
The school set-up and playground amenities allow for children to be active during after-school programs.
5
The school also provides busing for children attending after school programs.
6
Ogema Days is a community event that is accessible via walking or biking.
7
A pedestrian (button) activated LED crosswalk is in place on U.S. Highway 59.
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