Safe Routes to School: Annual Program

The Annual Program is based upon SDOT’s ongoing efforts to improve safety around all schools

How do I report a Safety Problem?
Safety is our number one priority at SDOT. If you notice a potential safety issue, contact SDOT so we can address the issue:

SDOT FAQ page

School Walking Route Maps

SDOT works with Seattle Public Schools to prepare these maps showing designated school walking routes.

School Zone Signing

In 2007, SDOT updated school zone signing at 26 schools to reflect the latest national standards as well as SDOT’s revised guidelines on school zone establishment. An additional 75 schools are scheduled to have their school zone signs updated in 2008.

You may notice the following changes at existing school zones:

• The advanced warning sign will be located further in advance of the start of the school zone.
• The end of the school zone will now be indicated by an ‘End School Zone’ sign.

Fluorescent Yellow-Green School Signs
Between 2000 and 2004, SDOT upgraded thousands of school signs. The new signs are brighter, using the newly approved fluorescent yellow-green color, and include an arrow directed towards the crosswalk itself, calling greater attention to the locations where children will be crossing.

Definition of "When Children are Present"
The supplemental or lower panel of a "School Speed Limit 20" sign which reads "When Children are Present" shall indicate to the motorist that the 20 mile per hour school speed limit is in force under the following conditions:

(1) School children are occupying or walking within the marked crosswalk.

(2) School children are waiting at the curb or on the shoulder of the roadway and are about to cross the roadway by way of the marked crosswalk.

(3) School children are present or walking along the roadway, either on the adjacent sidewalk or, in the absence of sidewalks, on the shoulder within the posted school speed limit zone which extends 300 feet in either direction from the marked crosswalk.

Flashing Beacons Project
The Seattle Department of Transportation has installed flashing beacons at twenty-eight schools around the city. The flashing beacons are an effective part of a wide range of tools that SDOT and SPD use to ensure that children get to and from school safely.

The beacons are mounted in advance of the school crosswalks and flash when students are walking to and from school. The lights are intended to highlight the 20 miles per hour maximum speed "when children are present or lights are flashing."

SDOT has beacons for at least one crosswalk at the 29 schools listed below: Salmon Bay, Broadview-Thomson, Viewlands, West Woodland, Whittier, Greenwood, St John, Bagley, John Stanford International, Assumption, Bryant, St Catherine, Green Lake, View Ridge, Stevens, St Joseph's, Madrona, Leschi, John Muir, Beacon Hill, St George, Hawthorne, Brighton, African American Academy, Wing Luke, Holy Family, Sanislo, Highland Park, and Arbor Heights.

In 2007, new flashing beacons will be installed at 8 additional schools: Gatewood, Lafayette, Loyal Heights, Northgate, Gatzert, Roxhill, Van Asselt, and TT Minor Elementary.

If you have any questions about the flashing beacon program, please contact Brian Dougherty at (206) 684-5124, or brian.dougherty@seattle.gov.

If have questions or concerns regarding the operation of existing Flashing Beacons, please contact Carol Coryell at (206) 684-5067, or carol.coryell@seattle.gov.

Crosswalk Improvements
SDOT remarks hundreds of marked crosswalks every summer – the best time for you to call and let us know about faded crosswalks is in the spring. Contact Vern Martin at 684-5116, or email vern.martin@seattle.gov.

SDOT installs new school crosswalks only in conjunction with school staff. It is important that the school be involved in determining where students are directed to cross the street. Additionally, the installation of a new marked crosswalk may result in changes that impact other elements of school circulation (for instance, parking restrictions may changes school loading zones). You can find out more about SDOT’s policies on installing marked crosswalks here.

Other improvements to school crosswalks might include the construction of curb bulbs or median islands. For more information, contact Brian Dougherty at 206-684-5124 or brian.dougherty@seattle.gov

Bike Racks
A bike rack is a necessity to enable children to bike to school. To request a bike rack at a public school, contact Gretchen Dedecker with Seattle Public Schools “Self Help Program”. SDOT will work in conjunction with Gretchen to coordinate work crews and install bike racks. Gretchen Dedecker can be reached at 206-252-0637 or via email at gdedecker@seattleschools.org.

Traffic Circulation Plans
Chaotic traffic near schools at morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times can act as a barrier for pedestrians and bicyclists. SDOT Transportation Planners are available to help schools coordinate the flow traffic during these peak hours. For more information contact Brian Dougherty at 206-684-5124 or brian.dougherty@seattle.gov

Adult Crossing Guard Program
Seattle 's Adult Crossing Guard Program is administered by the Seattle Police Department. For information about this program, contact Donald Smith at (206) 233-7200, or donald.smith@seattle.gov.