During a recent government meeting, discussions highlighted significant safety concerns related to student transportation in District 3. A board member emphasized that many elementary schools have a majority of students living within walkable distances, yet still rely on bus services. This situation is particularly evident at Mount Rainier Elementary, where the board member noted that despite the proximity of students, traffic congestion remains a pressing issue.

The board member pointed out that the presence of large multi-unit housing developments often contributes to increased vehicle traffic, as families living in these areas may still be over a mile away from their designated schools. This distance creates a unique challenge, leading to heightened car traffic during school drop-off times, which raises safety concerns for students crossing busy intersections.

An anecdote shared during the meeting illustrated these concerns vividly. The superintendent witnessed a minor car accident at a busy intersection near a school during a recent event aimed at promoting walking and biking to school. This incident underscored the urgency of addressing traffic congestion caused by parents driving their children to school, as it poses risks to student safety.

The board member reiterated the importance of promoting walkability and reducing the number of cars on the road during peak school hours. This sentiment resonated with other board members, who acknowledged that similar issues are prevalent across the district and the county. The discussions concluded with a call to action for continued efforts to enhance student safety and encourage alternative transportation methods.