Path to bring “Safe Routes to School” to Salinas continues

The belief that there’s a serious traffic safety problem negatively impacting children in Salinas came as a reality check to city leaders.

Much of the concern is for schoolkids and teens across the city, too, and not just at one particular school.

In one report, the city found one-third of collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians involves people under the age of 18.

In the last ten years, three of those incidents involved a fatal collision.

Then came a plan, “Safe Routes to School,” which was formed at the request of community members.

Second grade Kammann Elementary School student, Rogelio Serrano, says he’s concerned at how people drive near schools.

“I’m worried because the cars can drive over my feet with their wheels,” says Serrano.

The last ten years saw 337 people under the age of 18 were struck by a vehicle while on-foot or riding a bike.

Kammann Elementary has gotten the jump on this issue with programs such as “Walk Smart” to teach good walking and biking habits.

However, there’s still concerns over speeding drivers and other features which residents feel should be added or improved on to help with traffic conditions.

“I think it would be safer for the children if there was a crossing guard and a crosswalk at either points of the school,” says Jennifer Sorensen.

Sorensen was pointing out issues at Kammann Elementary School, where there aren’t crossing guards at points she believes there should be.

The school’s principal says crossing guard positions are hard to fill, although they are necessary to make kids feel safe. She says they’ve worked extensively to hire new crossing guards.

City staff, along with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County and other agencies, are looking at ways to improve safety conditions throughout the city for walking and biking students.

They’re set to examine conditions at 44 schools in 4 Salinas school districts soon.

The scope of the Safe Routes to School plan will be talked about at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.