City of Lynnwood news: Back To School in Lynnwood
09/06/2011News via City of Lynnwood Reminder that the speed limit in a school zone is 20 MPH, when lights are flashing—go 20 MPH! Also—be sure you’re stopping for all pedestrians at crosswalks. With more students than ever walking to school, the Lynnwood Police Department and the Edmonds School District would like to offer some pedestrian and bicycle safety tips for your children: Before school begins on Sept. 7, walk the routes your children will walk or bike to school to point out potential dangers and safe havens if they need help. Teach your children to be wary of strangers and to report any suspicious contacts to a trusted adult or 911. It’s never OK to accept a ride without parent’s permission—even from people who they know. Since there is safety in numbers, urge your children to walk or bike with a buddy. Insist that your children wear bike helmets and teach them the bicycle rules of the road. (The Lynnwood Recreation Center offers child-size helmets for only $9) Make sure your child’s bike is safe; check the brakes, reflectors, and chain guard or take it to a bike shop for a check up. Encourage your children to be highly visible by wearing bright, light-colored clothing. Urge your children to walk against traffic and ride bikes with the traffic whenever possible. Teach your children to cross streets only at marked crosswalks and to watch for turning vehicles. They should make eye contact with drivers before stepping out and look both ways. It’s not safe to wear headphones because you may be unable to hear approaching vehicles. Children under 10 should cross the street with an adult or older child. Teach children to look around parked cars or other objects blocking their view before they cross the street. We highly encourage parents to work together to form a “WALKING SCHOOL BUS” for their children. A WALKING SCHOOL BUS is a group of children walking to school accompanied by one or more adults. For more information on WALKING SCHOOL BUS contact the ESD director of transportation Craig Christensen at 425.431.7233. For help in finding the best route to walk or bike call Tracie Chandler at 425.431.1400. For additional safety tips, call the Lynnwood Police Crime Prevention Section at 425.670.5635.