As the new school year kicks off, King County is taking significant steps to ensure students have safe and accessible routes to their schools. Here’s how the county is helping make it easier for kids to walk, bike, and roll to school and how you can get involved.
Enhancing safety with the School Zone Safety Program
King County’s School Zone Safety Program is dedicated to improving safety for students and pedestrians along designated school walking routes. Key projects include:
- Signage and crosswalk improvements: New signs and crosswalks were installed to enhance pedestrian visibility and reduce congestion during school hours.
- Lighting enhancements: Additional lighting is being added around school zones to ensure students can safely navigate their routes, even during the darker winter months.
- Pathway projects: The county works with neighborhoods and school districts to identify and implement pedestrian pathway safety improvements.
In addition, the King County Traffic Safety Coalition, also known as the King County Target Zero Task Force is collaborating with traffic safety and community partners to create equitable traffic safety programs and plans to reduce collisions, injuries, and fatalities in King County.
How to get involved
There are several ways you can contribute to making school routes safer in King County:
- Download a Safe Routes to School Toolkit: Visit King County Metro’s SchoolPool website.
- Request additional safety measures: Contact King County Road Services by calling the 24/7 Roads Helpline, at (206) 477-8100 or emailing maint.roads@kingcounty.gov.
- Educate and encourage: Remind your family and neighbors about the importance of driving at or below the posted school zone speed limit when children are present. Encourage your family and neighbors to respect traffic safety rules. Teach your children about the importance of road safety and encourage them to walk or bike to school whenever possible.
By working together this new school year, the county and our communities can create a safer environment for everyone. Your participation makes a difference!
More safety resources for families
Additional information and resources to help keep you and your family safe on the road:
- Map of 2024 School Zone Safety Projects.
- Traffic safety information: kingcounty.gov/traffic.
- Bike Safety Tips: kingcounty.gov/bikesafety.
- Instagram and Facebook @KCtargetzero.
Originally published on September 10, 2024