Austin Public Works’ Safe Routes to School Program reminds drivers to stay alert for crossing guards and school zones, as the Austin Independent School District (AISD) is now open for learning. AISD is starting the school year with four weeks of remote learning and is encouraging families to remain off-campus to minimize the number of people at school.  For the next week, Safe Routes to School Crossing Guards will be at their posts for AISD schools, ensuring that students unable to resume classes remotely can walk and bike to school safely. School zone flashing beacons will also be in effect at this time. On September 14, any posts that students are still using will remain open until AISD begins phased reopening of schools on October 6.

Safe Routes reminds drivers to keep these safety tips in mind:

•    Observe the speed limit and be watchful for students crossing.
•    Follow directions from crossing guards at crosswalks.
•    Stay alert for school zone flashing beacons.
•    Look out for no idling zones near schools.
•    Do not text and drive.

“The school year might look a little different this year, but we want to make sure that our kids are safe when they’re walking and biking to school,” said Safe Routes to School Program Manager Amir Emamian. 
 
As the COVID-19 situation develops, Safe Routes is coordinating with our AISD partners in order to adapt to any changes or safety needs at crossing locations. Please contact AISD for all questions about changes to the 2020-2021 school year, or see AISD’s Open for Learning website for more information. 

All crossing guards have been provided with masks, hand sanitizer, distance markers, and additional training about COVID-19 safety and prevention. The Austin Public Works Safe Routes to School Program employs over 200 crossing guards at 97 elementary schools throughout Austin ISD and in six neighboring school districts. Safe Routes is working closely with each of these school districts to follow guidelines and back-to-school procedures. Additionally, the Austin Transportation Department maintains 560 school zone flashing beacons across 330 school zones that fall within seven school districts in Austin.