A friendly SDOT reminder that Summer break for kids is just a few weeks away and that they’ll be out and about, so please be mindful by watching out for them as you would at any other time by driving and riding safely.
Part of the city’s Vision Zero campaign launched earlier this year is to make our streets safer for all.
While the kids prepare for summer, pedestrian safety is a year-round priority.
Here are some details about the School Road Safety Initiative
The School Road Safety Initiative is one part of the Road Safety Action Plan. This initiative aims to increase safety on streets near schools through a combination of education, street improvements, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation, and builds on work already being done through our Safe Routes to School program.
In fall of 2013, the planning process for a School Road Safety Plan began. This planning process consisted of several different tasks:
- Best practices for school road safety reviewed, and changes to current programs recommended.
- Existing funding sources and long-term implementation strategies reviewed, and methods for increasing capacity for school road safety recommended.
- School road safety education and encouragement curriculum, materials, and implementation strategies developed, in conjunction with the Be Super Safe campaign.
- School zones and walking routes for all schools reviewed, and adjustments recommended.
- A toolkit of engineering treatments for increasing safety near schools developed.
- Existing enforcement practices reviewed, and strategies for maximizing effectiveness recommended.
- Conceptual plans for a minimum of 12 schools developed.
What is Safe Routes to School? Why Safe Routes to School?
Walking and biking to school has increased at 26 of 28 schools evaluated in Seattle from 2007 to 2013.
Engineering: To build new sidewalks and curb ramps, improve crosswalks, coordinate with neighborhood greenways, and promote safe driving.
Encouragement: To get more parents involved in their kids’ schools and get kids more familiar with their neighbors and community.
Evaluation: To make sure our programs are achieving their goals.
Safety is our number one priority at SDOT. If you notice a potential traffic safety issue near a school, contact SDOT’s Safe Routes to School Coordinator so we can address the issue: brian.dougherty@seattle.gov or 206-684-5124.
