"They All Deserve Safety": SF Officials Push for Traffic Safety as Students Return to School

School Safety Measures in San Francisco as Students Return

As the first day of school approaches in San Francisco, officials from various sectors are working together to ensure that students can travel safely to and from their schools. Educators, law enforcement, and city leaders have come together to emphasize the importance of traffic safety during this critical time.

At a press conference held outside Ulloa Elementary School in the Sunset District, several key figures including SFUSD Superintendent Maria Su, Interim Police Chief Paul Yep, District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio, and others addressed the community about the need for caution on the roads. Their message was clear: every student deserves to arrive at school safely, regardless of how they choose to get there.

Mellisa Jew, the principal of Ulloa Elementary, shared her concerns about dangerous driving behaviors near the school. She mentioned instances where cars double-parked or allowed students to exit vehicles in the middle of the street. These actions contribute to congestion, especially in areas with multiple schools nearby.

The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has announced increased efforts to enforce traffic laws around schools, particularly focusing on pedestrian and bicycle safety. Officers will be vigilant about behaviors such as failing to yield to pedestrians, running red lights, and other hazardous actions. Additionally, they will pay special attention to violations involving electric bicycles and scooters, which have become increasingly common in the city.

Recent incidents highlight the urgency of these measures. On August 9, a 4-year-old boy was killed in Burlingame after being involved in a chain-reaction accident involving an E-bike. In another incident last month, a 77-year-old pedestrian died after being struck by an E-bike in San Francisco. These tragedies underscore the need for drivers to adhere to traffic laws and remain alert when sharing the road with pedestrians.

A new initiative this school year involves painting curbs around crosswalks red, following the implementation of a statewide "daylighting" law. This law prohibits parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk, making it easier for drivers to see children who may be shorter and harder to spot. Julie Kirschbaum, Director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, emphasized that this measure is crucial for enhancing visibility and ensuring the safety of young students.

School bus drivers and crossing guards also played a role in the discussion, highlighting the importance of safe practices around buses and crosswalks. Joel Kashimer, a crossing guard at the busy intersection of 19th Avenue and Judah Street, noted that some pedestrians become frustrated when crossing guards limit their movements to safe times. He urged the public to respect the work of crossing guards, who are dedicated to protecting everyone's safety.

Superintendent Maria Su reiterated that creating a safe start to the school year requires the cooperation of all road users. Drivers, students, pedestrians, and cyclists must all follow the rules of the road to ensure that everyone can reach their destinations safely.

By working together and remaining vigilant, the community can help make sure that the return to school is both safe and successful for all students.