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About Safe Routes to School
Resources
(This information is provided by the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s SRTS Octoer 2025 Newsletter newsletter: https://www.portland.gov/transportation/walking-biking-transit-safety/safe-routes/news/2025/10/7/pbot-safe-routes-school)
It’s about to get a lot darker. Get ready!
In about one month, many Portlanders will be heading home after sunset during the evening commute. As we prepare for these changes ahead, it is important that people driving slow down, use caution, and look out for people walking, biking, and rolling on the street.
We all have a responsibility to help make our streets safe
- Slow down and travel at or below the speed limit
- Take care when making turns and approaching crosswalks
- Always turn on headlights
- Maintain a safe distance between vehicles
- Keep windshields clean
- Stay alert and avoid distractions — no using your phone
- Dress as visibly as possible when traveling outside of a motor vehicle
People driving vehicles kill more pedestrians in darker conditions
Vision Zero, Portland's goal to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on our street, reported that 83% of traffic deaths last year occurred in darker conditions (which includes dusk, nighttime, and dawn). Of all pedestrian deaths last year, 86% occurred in darker conditions. These trends are consistent with traffic safety research.
Reflective clothing = freedom and safety
Did you know that pedestrians wearing reflective clothing are visible to people driving up to 500 feet away? Compare that to just 55 feet away when pedestrians wear dark colors and no reflective gear or lights. That added safety benefit can give some a sense of more agency to travel when, where, and how they wish.
Ride Through the Seasons
The Portland Bureau Of Transportation's Ride Through the Seasons campaign aims to encourage Portlanders to keep on riding their bike past summer and into fall. Join us for rides and events, with the chance to win prizes along the way. Riding in the rain is not only possible, it's fun too!
Educational Videos
The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School website has great resources for all ages including a series of educational videos that promote safe walking, biking, bus riding habits. These short, engaging videos are designed to help students, familes, and the community make smart choices on the road and sidewalks. Whether you’re a student commuter or a parent driver, take a moment to excplore these resources and help us keep our streets safe and connected.
For more information and resources, please visit the Oregon Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School website.
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Learn how to ride the bus to school safely. Brought to you by Commute Options and Oregon Safe Routes to School. Thanks to Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon Department of Education and the Federal Highway Administration.
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Learn the 10 steps in riding the transit bus. Brought to you by Commute Options and Oregon Safe Routes to School. Thanks to Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon Department of Education and the Federal Highway Administration.
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The Federal Highway Administration produced three bicycle safety education videos and three pedestrian safety education videos for different age groups of children (ages 5-9, ages 10-14, and ages 15-18). You may view the videos here, but also visit the Pedestrian Safer Journey and Bicycle Safer Journey for more resources and quizzes.
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The Federal Highway Administration produced three bicycle safety education videos and three pedestrian safety education videos for different age groups of children (ages 5-9, ages 10-14, and ages 15-18). You may view the videos here, but also visit the Pedestrian Safer Journey and Bicycle Safer Journey for more resources and quizzes.
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The Federal Highway Administration produced three bicycle safety education videos and three pedestrian safety education videos for different age groups of children (ages 5-9, ages 10-14, and ages 15-18). You may view the videos here, but also visit the Pedestrian Safer Journey and Bicycle Safer Journey for more resources and quizzes.