September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California

Published on September 04, 2024

September is Pedestrian Safety Month! The City of Menlo Park would like to remind families to review the following tips to improve the safety of students walking to/from school and on school grounds.

As students are back to school on campus, more people are walking in Menlo Park’s streets, and it is everyone’s responsibility to keep the road safe for all. Why not celebrate Pedestrian Safety Month by walking to the park, the grocery store or school?

Drivers

Do not speed! Slow down at intersections.
Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Stay off the phone when behind the wheel.
Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
Never drive impaired.

Pedestrians

Be predictable. Use signaled crosswalks where drivers anticipate foot traffic. Put phones, headphones and devices down when crossing the street.
Watch for approaching vehicles and practice care crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – wear light colors, reflective material and use a flashlight.
Be careful crossing streets, entering crosswalks at night and on busier streets with higher speed limits.

Review the Walk and Roll Activity Book and Bingo Sheet below for fun activities and games on the rules of the road and safety tips.

Walk and Roll Activity Book: Walking and Biking Safety Tips(PDF, 1MB)

Walk and Roll Bingo(PDF, 90KB)

Watch one of the following videos with your child to help teach them safe pedestrian practices.

Pedestrian Safer Journey video (Elementary School) Federal Highway Administration

Pedestrian Safer Journey video (Middle School) Federal Highway Administration

Walk Safely video California Office of Traffic Safety – This video is only available in English.

Tips and resources provided by the San Mateo County Office of Education SRTS Program.