Back to school: Keep our streets safe and avoid school traffic!

Published on August 12, 2024

Many students in Menlo Park will be back in school this week. That means more children walking and biking... and more cars in the streets. You can do your part to keep Menlo Park streets safe for everyone and avoid rush hour! Follow the tips below.

If you live near a school or along a busy school route:

Plan your day to avoid the school rush times. The busiest traffic near school campuses usually occurs 20 minutes before the bell in the morning and after the bell in the afternoon. If you live near a school or along a major school commute route (e.g. Santa Cruz Avenue), planning ahead can help to avoid these busy periods. 

Slow down in school zones. The City reduced the speed limit to 15 mph in many school zones citywide. When you see a school zone sign, it’s time to slow down! Speed directly affects crash severity and is often the likely cause of a crash. Just a five or 10 miles-per-hour difference in speed can greatly affect the vehicle-stopping distance and reduce injury severity in the chance that pedestrians are struck by a car.

If you travel to school:

Live within one mile of the school? Walk or bike to school! You can check your school routes here.

Park and walk: Enjoy a short walk to school by parking one or two blocks from your school and walking with your student to campus. This really helps reduce congestion near the school.

Find a carpooling buddy!

Menlo Park Public School Bell Schedules

Las Lomitas Elementary School District Bell Schedules – school starts Aug. 14

Ravenswood City School District Bell Schedules – school starts Aug. 14

Sequoia Union High School District Bell Schedules – school starts Aug. 14

Menlo Park City School District Bell Schedules – school starts Aug. 22