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WALK N' ROLL MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER
SPANISH AND VIETNAMESE NEWSLETTERS
Safe Routes to Schools turns 20!
It is the 20-year anniversary of the Safe Routes to Schools movement – time sure flies when you’re having fun walking and biking to school! This movement was launched to fight the rise in childhood health risks caused by lack of exercise. This included heart problems, depression, and obesity. The Centers for Disease Control identified Safe Routes as one of 8 community-wide programs that could improve public health.
In 2005, Congress funded Safe Routes to Schools programs for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. This funding helped states to improve street safety around schools for kids to walk and bike, as well as provide safety education for children. Studies showed that Safe Routes programming caused a significant increase in the number of kids who walked to school, going from 9 percent to 15 percent. Several studies have also credited Safe Routes with reducing injuries among school-age children who walk and bike by 20%.
In 2012, San Jose launched our Walk n’ Roll program, following the Safe Routes model. Today, we serve almost 90 elementary and middle schools! We look forward to
bringing more schools into the program.
Remember to Spring Forward and Stay Safe!
As we approach the beginning of spring, there is an important reminder for everybody: daylight saving. On Sunday, March 9th, 2025, we will be springing our clocks forward by one hour. That means we lose an hour of sleep, but it also means more daylight in the evenings!
With more daylight, many of us will be walking or biking home from school or spending more time outdoors. It is super important to remember some safety rules to keep ourselves and others safe. Here are a few reminders:
- Stay visible: If you are walking or biking, wear bright or reflective clothing, especially if you are out when it's getting dark. This helps drivers see you better.
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Use crosswalks: Always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, and make sure to look both ways before crossing. Even if you have the right of way, it's important to stay aware of traffic.
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Wear a helmet: If you are riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard, wearing a helmet is a must. It can protect your head in case of a fall or collision.
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Stay focused: Avoid distractions like texting or listening to loud music while walking or biking. Pay attention to your surroundings so you can react quickly to any potential dangers.
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Be predictable: When biking, use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. This helps drivers and other cyclists know what you are planning to do.
By following these simple safety rules, we can all enjoy the extra daylight and stay safe while walking or biking around our neighborhood.
Do not forget to set your clocks forward on March 9th.
Important Information About Traffic Signals in San Jose
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Emergency Broken Signals: If you see flashing red lights, a signal head that is turned or not working, or if cars, bikes, or pedestrians are not getting the green light, call (408) 794-1900 immediately. This could be an emergency situation.
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Non-Emergency Broken Signals: If a signal is acting strangely, like giving a short green light when there is heavy traffic, or long green lights with no traffic, email traffic.signals@sanjoseca.gov or call (408) 975-3700.
When reporting, remember to include:
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The intersection and direction
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The approximate time and date of the problem
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For broken signal heads, mention if the head is above the street or on the side of the pole.
Requesting a New Traffic Signal: If you think a new traffic signal is needed at an intersection to make things safer, you can request one by emailing Traffic.Safety@sanjoseca.gov or calling (408) 535-3850. The city looks at several factors before installing a new signal, including traffic volume, safety concerns, and nearby schools. Installing a new signal costs a lot, so it's carefully evaluated before a decision is made.
March into Spring for Walk n’ Roll
We only have a few months left before the end of the school year. That might sound like a long time, but when we are having fun, time flies by! The Walk n’ Roll Program still has programming to support your schools and students. Reach out to your WnR Coordinator or walknroll@sanjoseca.gov to schedule your Spring Walk n’ Roll events! Safety assemblies, bike rodeo, resource tabling, helmet distributions, and much more!