Safety tips for Pedestrian Safety Month

Published on September 09, 2025

September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California. As the 2025–26 school year begins, it’s a great time to review and reinforce safety tips for those walking, biking or rolling. Pedestrian Safety Month serves as a reminder to the Menlo Park community that keeping our roads safe is a shared responsibility. Join the City of Menlo Park Safe Routes to School in celebrating Pedestrian Safety Month by reviewing these important safety tips with your students.

Safety Tips for People Walking

• Be predictable. Use signaled crosswalks where drivers will anticipate people walking.
• Be attentive. Put phones, headphones and devices away when crossing the street. Stay alert for oncoming vehicles and use caution when crossing the street. At a speed of 30 mph, it takes a driver at least 90 feet to come to a complete stop.
• Be seen. Wear light colors, reflective material or use a flashlight, especially at night or low-visibility conditions.

Safety Tips for People Driving

• Do not speed! Drive the speed limit and slow down at intersections where people may be crossing. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Do not drive distracted. Put devices away while driving.
• While queuing to make a right turn, avoid blocking crosswalks. Keep crosswalks open to people crossing.
• Do not drive impaired.

Check out the the City of Menlo Park’s Safe Routes to School program for safety resources for people walking, biking, rolling or driving.