As people return to work and school from summer holidays, drivers should allow extra time for travel , be extra cautious and watch for children, especially in school zones.
Each year the City of Surrey reviews traffic and pedestrian safety for Surrey schools as part of its Safe & Active Schools program. The program is the largest of its kind in B.C. and its mandate is making it safer for kids to walk, bike or scoot to school. Since 2010, more than 330 projects have been completed, ranging from changing parking regulations to building new sidewalks.
“Our Safe & Active Schools Program makes neighbourhood streets safer and provides children the opportunity to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as being able to walk or bike to school,” said Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts. “Providing alternative travel options, with a commitment to improving road safety, helps to build a sense of community in our neighbourhoods, with the added benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.”
Karen Klein, the local road safety coordinator for ICBC, said the start of the school year is an exciting time for kids.
"We’re asking parents to review the rules of the road with their children and go over their daily route to and from school," Klein said.
During the first days of school, Surrey RCMP officers will be out in force to remind drivers throughout our communities to slow down in school zones.
“Surrey is the largest school district in the province and we have thousands of students taking various modes of transportation to their school each day,” said Surrey RCMP Officer-in-Charge Bill Fordy. “It is essential that all drivers be aware of the reduced speed limits and do their part to ensure that the students are safe.”
Surrey kids who walk, bike, blade, scoot or use other non-motorized transportation to school may enter the City’s Active Travel Contest. Complete a brief survey daily from Sept. 4-27 at www.surrey.ca/transportation for a chance to win prizes. One entry per child per school per day.