South Dakota Active Transportation Network

Many South Dakotans live in places where walking, bicycling, and other active modes of transportation are neither safe nor practical. According to the SD Department of Public Safety, in 2024, the state recorded 9 pedestrian deaths, 140 pedestrian injuries, 4 bicyclist deaths and 107 bicyclist injuries, underscoring significant safety and infrastructure gaps. At the same time, over 77% of residents drive alone to work, and fewer than 1% commute by bicycle, reflecting environments where active travel is rarely a viable choice (U.S Census Bureau). These challenges are intensified in rural communities, where over 80% of all crash fatalities occur, and where disconnected road networks and limited facilities make every day active travel difficult (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2023). Despite the presence of funding streams, inconsistent levels of awareness and limited coordination mean that many communities struggle to plan, implement, and sustain safer, healthier transportation options.

The purpose of the South Dakota Active Transportation Network, led by experts from South Dakota State University Extension, is to bring together, and equip partners statewide to address barriers to safe, active transportation.  By working together and sharing expertise and resources, the Network helps communities gain the tools and knowledge to plan and implement safe, accessible, and equitable active transportation systems. This work promotes healthier residents, stronger community connections, and a more resilient future for South Dakota.

The South Dakota Active Transportation Network envisions a South Dakota where everyone, regardless of where they live, can safely and easily access active transportation systems that foster healthier people, stronger, connected communities, and a more sustainable future.  

Our mission is to empower individuals and communities across South Dakota to improve access to, and the safety of, walking, biking, and other active modes of travel through statewide coordination, resource sharing, and partnerships.

To fulfill the mission and vision, the South Dakota Active Transportation Network aims to:

• Strengthen statewide collaboration and engagement by creating and sustaining a unified network of cross-sector partners working together on active transportation.  
• Gather knowledge by conducting a comprehensive statewide assessment of current initiatives, needs, and resources related to active transportation.
• Promote active transportation awareness by launching campaigns to increase public understanding of active transportation and its benefits.  
• Serve as a central hub for sharing best practices, funding opportunities, and educational materials to support communities, partners and stakeholders in overcoming barriers specific to rural, tribal, and urban settings.

If you would like to join the South Dakota Active Transportation Network’s email list, please complete the form below.

References

• South Dakota Department of Public Safety. 2024. South Dakota Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Summary. Office of Accident Records.
• U.S. Census Bureau. 2023. American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates: Means of Transportation to Work, South Dakota.
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 2023. Fatality Facts: Rural Roads — South Dakota.