In honor of Women's History Month, Sara Colling, Safe Routes to School Program Manager for the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), sat down for a roadside chat about her contributions to public health and community well-being through progressive transportation projects. Colling emphasizes transportation as a social determinant of health, advocating for community enhancement through active mobility and neighborhood connectivity. In a recent interview with the SDOT Blog, she discussed her career journey and the projects that have both challenged and defined her career.
She has been instrumental in the development of the protected bike lane along Westlake and the Vision Zero initiative on Rainier Ave S. "My two most challenging projects are the two I'm most proud of," Colling told the SDOT Blog. Her role has also led her to work closely with community members, embodying a leadership style that values persistence, innovation, and maintaining a sense of humor, and she acknowledged the guidance of SDOT's Communications Director, Dawn Schellenberg, in fostering these values.
As a current lead for the Safe Routes to School Program, Colling's week is dynamic, ranging from escorting children on the Walking School Bus at Dunlap Elementary to planning routes to ensure a safer and more appealing journey to school. Under her management, the program places special emphasis on accommodating schools with greater equity needs, striving to ensure that all children have access to safe transportation.
Holding the hands of her own two daughters tightly while navigating busy streets, Colling sees the stark contrasts in Seattle's transportation system. "So much is good... and so much is hard," she described in the conversation with SDOT Blog. Her perspective as a mother drives her to be a part of creating a safer environment, one where her daughters, and children everywhere, can travel confidently and independently. As families celebrate International Women's Day, Colling's work stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to fortify community health through progressive urban planning.
The SDOT Blog's feature on Sara Colling shines a spotlight on the integral role that women are playing in the restructuring of urban landscapes, particularly during Women's History Month. The dedication and vision of professionals like Colling not only commemorate this celebratory month but also contribute to a legacy of enhanced public health and safety.
