Evaluation of the Safe Routes to School program is important to gauge program effectiveness, identify needed improvements, and support program continuity. Evaluation can measure shifts in travel behavior, changes in attitudes toward biking and walking, awareness of the Safe Routes to School program, grant money received, and projects completed.

Data can tell the story of how activities​ ​and events can encourage walking,​ ​bicycling, carpooling, and riding​ ​the bus.​ The Evaluating School Commute Programs Guidebooks suggests strategies for gathering information to evaluate program effectiveness.

The National Center for Safe Routes to School has developed a recommended methodology for surveying parents.