As students head back to school, the City of Edmonton is reminding drivers and pedestrians of key traffic safety measures to ensure a safe start to the school year.
In a recent statement, the city emphasized the importance of adhering to speed limits to protect students on the roads and sidewalks. The speed limit in playground zones, including streets near schools, is 30 km/h from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. year-round. On other residential streets, the speed limit is typically 40 km/h unless otherwise posted.
The city’s Safe Routes to School Program, designed to enhance road safety for students and families, has seen several upgrades over the summer. These include adaptable traffic calming measures, additional crossings, and modifications to adjacent roads at schools such as Constable Dan Woodall, St. John XXIII, Sister Annata Brockman, Donald R. Getty, Johnny Bright, and Christ the King.
A highlight of the program this year is the Vision Zero School Kit, returning for the 2024-2025 school year. Starting in October, schools will have access to educational tools and activities aimed at teaching students about traffic safety.
Additionally, this summer saw the installation of 19 vibrant crosswalks designed by students at participating schools. Twenty-seven schools also took part in a DIY sign activity, creating their own traffic safety signs, which have been installed on nearby roads.
The city’s Safe Speed Toolkit is available to the public, featuring community lawn signs to encourage safer driving speeds. Lawn signs can be picked up at various Community Recreation Centres until October 6. Other resources include driver feedback signs and educational materials.
The Safe Crossings Program is also progressing, with crews working to upgrade 109 crossings identified as priorities for 2024. To date, 89 of these upgrades have been completed or are underway, enhancing safety along key commuting routes to schools, workplaces, and recreational areas.
For more information, visit the Safe Crossings dashboard and explore available resources through the city’s traffic safety programs.
