Saturday meant most adults were at home on the route. (Para. 4)
Meaning: On Saturdays I saw fewer people on the road because most adults were at home as they didn't need to go out for work.
route: n. way from one place to another
What route do I take to Rome? 到罗马我该走哪条路？
The route is dangerous for a car in winter. 冬天在这条路上开车是危险的。