Safety Practices & Resources

SRTS Safety Practices

Safe Routes to School icon

LEARN MORE about the program. 

SEE current year plan.

DOWNLOAD Safety Flyer English

Rutas Seguras a la Escuela (SRTS)


Safe Driver Practices — School Zone Awareness

  • Slow down within 500 to 1000 feet of a school.icon
  • The speed limit is 25 miles per hour unless otherwise posted.
  • Be cautious of children who may dart into the street or from behind parked cars in parking lots.
  • Stop for pedestrians.
  • Stop for school buses with red flashing lights.
  • Stay focused – eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
  • If you need to attend to a child or use your cell phone, pull over and park in a safe location.
  • Drop your children off in designated areas.
  • When dropping your children off at school, have them prepared and ready to exit the car.
  • Have your children exit the car on the sidewalk side, not on the street side or parking lot.
  • Remind your children to cross the street at the crosswalk.

Safe Pedestrian Practices — Helpful Reminders about Walking Safety

  • Walk to school iconAlways walk on sidewalks if possible.
  • If sidewalks are unavailable, walk close to the outside edge of the road, on the side facing oncoming traffic (the left side), so you can see what’s coming and react if necessary.
  • Don’t chase a ball into the street. Stop, look and listen.
  • Remember that STOP signs are for everyone (pedestrians, bikes, cars, etc.)
  • Don’t cross the street from between two cars.

Driveways and Parking Lots

  • Be aware of parked cars backing up or reversing. Take notice if: 
    • A person is in the drivers seat.
    • You hear the car running. 
    • Or, if you see white lights at the back of the car (reverse lights) 
  • These are all clues that the car may be getting ready to back up. Stop and let the car go, and then cross.

Crossing a Street   

  • street crossing iconStop, look and listen before crossing a street.
  • Cross at corners and crosswalks.
  • Use the crossing button on the traffic signal when available. Wait for the walking person or “WALK” symbol before crossing. 
  • Look left, right, and left again for traffic, and then over your shoulder before crossing.
  • Make eye contact with the drivers if possible. 
  • Cross only when it is safe.
  • Scan in all directions for vehicles as you cross. 
  • Stay in the crosswalk (marked area) if there is one.
  • Walk in a straight line to the other side of the street, not at an angle.
  • Always walk. Don’t run.

Safe Bicycling Practices

  • Safety signALWAYS wear a properly fitted helmet to protect against head injuries, which is the most common serious injury suffered by bicyclists. 
  • Be sure your bike is well maintained and adjusted. 
  • Do the ABC Quick Check before every bike ride:
    • Check the Air in your tires.
    • Make sure the Brakes work. 
    • Check your Chain to ensure it is not loose, rusted or too grimy, and that the pedal Cranks are secure.  
    • Quick Check - If your bike has quick-release levers to take the wheels off, make sure they are closed and tight.
  • Use a light and reflectors, and wear bright clothing when it’s dark.

Important Rules for Bicyclists

  • helmet signALWAYS wear a helmet. It’s the law if you’re 17 or younger! 
  • Always get permission from parents to ride your bike on the street.
  • Obey the rules of the road as if you were driving a car - stop at stop signs and red lights. Use hand signals before turning or changing lanes.
  • When riding a bicycle, ride single file on the right side of the road, going with the flow of traffic. It is illegal to ride on the left side of a two-way street.
  • Yield to all pedestrians. They can't foresee a dangerous situation as well as you can, and may be distracted. A bicycle is required by law to yield to pedestrians.

Bicycling Technique Reminders

  • bike signal iconAvoid headphones and loud music.
  • When riding at home, always stop at the end of your driveway. 
  • Choose the route with the fewest cars to ride on. 
  • Ride with adults as much as possible, especially when riding on busier streets.
  • Be aware of parked cars in driveways and parking lots backing up or reversing.
  • Alert pedestrians that you are coming from behind by saying things like, “Excuse me,” or “Passing on your left,” or use a bell or horn.
  • Avoid traveling along the side of cars when passing through intersections -- they may turn in front of you without warning.
  • Use extreme caution when passing parked cars.  Drivers may not see you when opening doors or pulling out of parking spaces.
  • Keep your hands on the handlebars at all times. Riding with no hands does not permit you to stop or to avoid surprise hazards such as dogs, potholes, or cars.
  • Remember, your bicycle is a small vehicle and you are not easily seen on crowded streets. Do everything you can to make sure you can be seen.

Walking/Biking Route Map

Map iconCunha Intermediate and Hatch Elementary Schools
In our continued effort to improve the safety of students who are walking or biking to school, we have collaborated with Fehr & Peers Transportation Consultants to provide this map for parents of Cunha Intermediate and Hatch Elementary School students. 

This tool is designed to help you explore the safest route from home to school. Of course, it is the responsibility of the parent to determine the most appropriate route based on the child's experience level and the specific road conditions.

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.