The
City of Santa Clarita considers pedestrian and bicyclist safety
to be very important. Studies have shown that school-age pedestrians
and bicyclists are the group at greatest risk of pedestrian-related
accidents on City streets. In order to minimize that risk,
the City has prepared a set of guidelines to help educate
elementary school children on how to reach school as safely
as possible.
In 1993, the City of Santa Clarita, in cooperation
with four school districts serving the community, established
a Citywide "Suggested Route to School" plan for
21 public elementary and three junior high schools in the
City. Additional schools were added to the plan as new schools
opened when the City annexed new areas. The main purpose of
the plan is to develop simple maps indicating suggested routes
to school in a simple, easy-to-follow format that can be used
by parents, teachers, and students.
The intent of the plan is to help educate
school-age children about how to reach school as safely as
possible and minimize their safety risk.
The plan is also used as a tool for the City
to help identify where students may be concentrated, enabling
the City to prioritize the limited resources available for
roadway and pedestrian improvements.
The "Suggested Route to School"
maps take into account physical barriers, such as railway
lines and high-volume major streets.
The maps are also designed to take advantage
of low-volume residential streets, stop signs, traffic signals,
adult school crossing guards, pedestrian bridges and existing
sidewalks.
These maps are updated every year to reflect
changes in the roadways and school boundaries.
Every year, commencing with the new school
year, the City sends these maps to schools for distribution
to students and their guardians. You may obtain a copy of
the "Suggested Route to School" map from your child's
school or school district office or by clicking
here.
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT BICYCLE RULES?
When riding bicycles on City streets, bicyclists
should keep the following in mind:
1. Keep your bicycle in good mechanical condition
(tires, chain, brakes).
2. Obey all traffic rules and signs, and
always give proper hand signals.
3. Walk your bike across busy intersections
by using the push button to activate the pedestrian signal.
4. Always ride with the traffic as close
as possible to the right side of the road.
5. Be sure the roadway is clear before entering.
6. Always ride single-file and watch for
opening car doors.
7. Most bicycles are built to carry one person,
YOU! And you alone.
8. If you must ride your bike at night, be
sure your headlight and reflectors are in good condition.
9. Select the safest route to your destination
and use it. Avoid busy intersections.
10. Yield right-of-way to pedestrians.
11. Always wear a bicycle helmet.
SAFETY TIPS FOR CHILDREN
When walking on City streets, pedestrians
should keep the following in mind:
1. Look in all directions for cars, pedestrians,
bicyclists, and mopeds before crossing the street.
2. Never cross the street from between parked
cars because drivers cannot see you.
3. Always stand on the curb, not in the street,
while waiting to cross.
4. Cross only at corners where drivers can
see you.
5. Always use a crosswalk when it is available,
but remember that painted lines cannot force drivers to stop.
6. Do not take rides from strangers.
7. Use the push button whenever possible
and cross with the "WALK" signal only.
8. When crossing the street, watch for cars
that are turning left or right.
WHEN USING CROSSWALKS WITH ADULT SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS
1. Obey the directions of the crossing guard.
2. Don't run across the street. Always walk.
3. Be alert for traffic. Drivers sometimes
fail to obey the crossing guard's stop sign.
4. Don't ride bicycles or skateboards across
the street. Walk with them.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, REQUESTS, OR SUGGESTIONS
CONCERNING TRAFFIC SAFETY MATTERS, PLEASE CONTACT THE TRAFFIC
ENGINEERING DIVISION AT (661) 255-4942
