WALK YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL PROGRAM

The City of Saskatoon believes in the safety and health of our children. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to walk the route their children take to school to teach them about pedestrian safety; to walk rather than drive in order to avoid traffic congestion; and to model safe behaviour by teaching children to cross only at pedestrian crosswalks or at corners, not in between parked cars.

The City of Saskatoon supports the use of the Walking School Bus which consists of a group of children (passengers) and adults (drivers and conductors) who walk to and from school along a designed, safe route. The “bus” picks up students in the morning, and drops them off in the reverse order in the afternoon.

The Walking School Bus decreases traffic congestion around schools and provides a safe, active and environmentally friendly way for children to travel to and from school.

For information on how to start a Walking School Bus in your community, download the WALKING SCHOOL BUS – A Guide for Parents and Teachers brochure (PDF).

SCHOOL SPEED ZONES

Can you spare 12 seconds? That’s the additional time it takes to drive through a school zone at 30 kilometres per hour instead of 50.

		There’s a 30 kilometres per hour speed limit in Saskatoon school zones.

In September 2002, Saskatoon established school zone speed limits at 30 kilometres per hour.

Twelve seconds - the difference could save a life.

• Young children tend to think cars can stop instantly.
• Children believe that if they can see your car, you can see them.
• Children under 10 do not accurately judge vehicle speed or distance.
• Vehicle-pedestrian accidents involving children tend to result in serious injury, even death.

Every year, thousands of children travel to and from schools in Saskatoon. Their safety is a high priority with the City of Saskatoon. As a motorist, you have a responsibility to obey posted limits and drive in a safe and courteous manner.

Maximum 30 kph
The 30 kph maximum speed limit is designed to give motorists more time to react and brake in an emergency – such as when a child runs out unexpectedly onto the street. Reducing the speed limit allows more time for motorists and pedestrians to react in hazardous situations. It could avoid a tragedy.

 

The 30 kph speed limit is in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, September to June – including statutory holidays. School zones are marked by reflective, fluorescent yellow-green signs. School zones begin at the 30 kph sign and end at a sign indicating a greater speed limit (normally 50 kph). The penalty for speeding in a school zone is the same as any other speeding offence. You would be fined for the offence and penalized three SGI demerit points.

 

Plan Ahead
The speed limit is in effect from September to June at all public and private schools. If you cannot spare 12 seconds to reduce your speed in school zones, plan ahead and give yourself more time to get where you’re going.

The City will be monitoring the effectiveness of school zone speed limits to allow for additional education and enforcement in problem areas. It’s up to you to obey the rules of the road and drive courteously. Think about it … a child’s life is worth 12 seconds.

SCHOOL ZONE PARKING

Parking in school zones is another safety issue. Parking is prohibited in “No Parking” and “No Stopping” zones - and for a good reason. These zones are located near school entrances/exits. They are designed to maintain visibility for passing motorists and pedestrians. When you block them, children cannot see or be seen by oncoming traffic.

Double and triple parking to drop off your children is another dangerous practice. It leads to traffic congestion and hampers visibility. Most schools have ample parking on side streets where parents can park and walk children to the school entrance.

If you have questions or would like more information on city traffic bylaws, call the Traffic Engineering Section at 975-2454.