(Aug. 29, 2017) The Portland Bureau of Transportation reminds the traveling public that children across the area are starting a new school year in the coming weeks, starting with Portland Public Schools, the largest school district in the state, on Wednesday.
Portland’s five school districts will be back in session on the following days (start dates may vary by campus and grade level):
- Aug. 30, Portland Public Schools
- Sept. 5, Parkrose School District and David Douglas School District
- Sept. 6, Centennial School District and Reynolds School District
“We’re all responsible for creating an environment where children can get to school safely, ready and engaged to learn,” said City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who oversees PBOT. “With summer coming to an end and our city adjusting back to the school year, we urge everyone to travel with caution, especially along our Safe Routes to School and our Neighborhood Greenways and Bikeways.”
As student come back to school, it’s particularly important to obey traffic laws and drive safely in school zones. Every intersection is a crosswalk, whether it is marked or not, so everyone driving needs to stop for families attempting to cross our streets. Near schools, people driving need to be especially mindful and watch out for parents and children walking and biking.
Just in time for school, PBOT recently installed a new sidewalk in front of Vestal K-8 School at 161 NE 82nd Ave. This new and improved sidewalk will provide kids more space to walk and separate them from the busy traffic on 82nd Avenue. The improvements started with a request from the school community with PBOT's Portland Sate Routes to School program.
BEFORE: Sidewalk beside fast-moving traffic on 82ns Avenue, at grade with the street
photo by Portland Bureau of Transportation
AFTER: Sidewalk raised and set back from 82nd Avenue, with proper access for people using mobility devices
photo by Portland Bureau of Transportation
If you drive to school, through a school zone or in the neighborhoods near a school, follow these safety tips to keep all students safe this year:
- Obey the 20-mph speed limit in all school zones.
- Be patient during drop-off and pick-up if you drive your student to school or drive near a school. The roadways surrounding schools are congested during these times.
- Do not idle your vehicle in school zones.
- Yield to pedestrians at all intersections, whether marked with a crosswalk or not, it’s the law.
- Look both ways for pedestrians and bicyclists when turning right on a red light.
- Be aware of students where there are no sidewalks along the road and when backing out of driveways.
- Watch for younger children – they can be less predictable and may not cross where you would expect.
- Stop and wait for school buses when red lights are flashing.
If you are walking or biking to school:
Be aware:
- Always look both ways before crossing the street
- Watch out for truck and busses’ blind spots
- Avoid screens like parked cars when crossing the street
Be visible:
- Bring a light, reflector or bright clothes when walking or biking particularly when it gets darker.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing
- Whenever possible, cross at signaled/marked intersections when crossing major roads.
Have fun!
- Walk or bike in groups! Start a walking school bus or bike train.
Thanks for doing your part to provide safe student travel near all Portland schools.
Drivers should also be aware that Portland Police Bureau officers will be at every school during the first few weeks of the school year to enforce school speed zones and other traffic laws.
INTERESTED IN WALKING OR ROLLIN TO SCHOOL?
Contact your Safe Routes to School Coordinator to learn more about our programs and campaigns or visit our website.