As School Resumes, Portland Officials Remind Commuters To Drive Safely

PORTLAND, OR — It's back-to-school day for Portland Public Schools, and the city's Bureau of Transportation wants to remind morning commuters to be aware of children walking and biking along busy Portland streets.

"We're all responsible for creating an environment where children can get to school safely, ready and engaged to learn," City Commissioner Dan Saltzman said in a statement. "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."

Portland Public Schools is the first district in the city to resume classes, with the Parkrose and David Douglas school districts beginning Sept. 5, and Centennial and Reynolds school districts beginning Sept. 6.

Both drivers and students are advised to pay close attention to traffic laws, especially in school zones, while the community readjusts to child pedestrians and cyclists on weekday mornings.

As a reminder, every intersection — regardless of official markings — is legally considered a crosswalk; and when near schools, in particular, drivers must be extra cautious of small children crossing the street.

Walking and biking students, as well as morning drivers, should take note of these safety suggestions from the city:

• 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.

• 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
• 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.

• Walk or bike in groups! Start a walking school bus or bike train.

Some areas have seen improvements to sidewalks and other pedestrian infrastructure since the last school year, like the new sidewalk in front of Vestal K-8 School at 161 N.E. 82nd Ave. This improvement, and others throughout the Portland metro region, are often spurred on by Safe Routes to School coordinators who work tirelessly to ensure children and teens are able to make their choice to walk or bike to school as safe as possible.

For more information on Portland's Safe Routes to School campaign, or to contact the local Safe Routes coordinator, visit www.saferoutesportland.org.

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