Fort Collins Traffic Safety Inspection Program aims to enhance school safety measures

The Fort Collins City Council convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at enhancing community safety and infrastructure, particularly around schools. A significant focus of the meeting was the city's Traffic Safety Inspection Program, which aims to systematically improve safety for students traveling to and from school.

Nell Davis, the project manager for traffic operations, presented an overview of the program, highlighting its importance in adapting to changing traffic patterns and ensuring consistent safety measures across schools. The program, initiated in 2022, involves comprehensive inspections of transportation conditions around schools, including traffic flow observations and surveys of parents and students. So far, the city has completed studies at seven schools, with plans to expand to more in the coming years.

The council members expressed strong support for the program, emphasizing its critical role in protecting students, especially in light of recent incidents involving student safety. For instance, a council member shared a personal account of a serious accident involving a student, underscoring the urgency of the program's goals.

Davis outlined the process for prioritizing schools for inspection, which considers factors such as the age of students, proximity to high-speed roads, and community interest. The council aims to complete inspections at all schools by 2034, but discussions revealed that increasing staffing and funding could expedite this timeline significantly.

In addition to the traffic safety program, the council reviewed the 2024 Poudre Fire Authority annual report and discussed proposed changes to the land use code concerning commercial corridors. They also addressed community concerns about traffic noise and enforcement, indicating a broader commitment to improving the quality of life in Fort Collins.

As the city moves forward with these initiatives, the council remains focused on ensuring that all students can travel safely to school, reflecting a strong commitment to community safety and infrastructure improvement.