City and district update Safe Routes to School; coordinator post remains vacant

Ryan Chapman, Davis’s director of public works for engineering and transportation, presented an update on the Safe Routes to School program, saying the city uses a recurring traffic-safety stakeholder group and a three-pronged ‘‘3E’’ approach — engineering, education and enforcement — to address conflicts around schools.

Chapman highlighted tools and pilot programs: suggested route maps for each school posted on the city website in English and Spanish; a volunteer-driven Active For Me program where volunteers scan a barcode to notify parents; and a Bike Rodeo series funded through an Office of Traffic Safety grant, ‘‘There will be eight rodeos at the elementary schools. Four of them have already occurred and in the spring we will be doing the final four rodeos for the current academic year,’’ Chapman said.

Trustees and public commenters raised barriers to students biking, including instrument and equipment needs that push some families toward driving. A public commenter who identified themselves as a transportation-commission volunteer and parent suggested alternative equipment such as ‘‘a pedal assist cargo bike’’ to address instrument/gear transport for students and commended staff for their outreach.

Staff acknowledged a persistent staffing gap: Chapman said the Safe Routes coordinator is a city staff position that has been ‘‘very difficult to fill’’ and confirmed the role is ‘‘a three quarter time position.’’ Trustees also discussed whether school-zone speed limits can be reduced; Chapman noted California Vehicle Code permits lowering limits ‘‘to as low as 15 miles an hour in some circumstances’’ and said staff will explore options.

On e-bikes and education, district and city staff said they are preparing materials for families about helmet rules, age requirements and equipment differences and are tracking state legislative changes that may clarify regulations. Chapman and district staff said they will return with more detailed recommendations and the city will continue to seek volunteers and potential grant funding to support program expansion.

Next steps: city and district will continue joint communications, seek a strategy to recruit or fund the Safe Routes coordinator, and evaluate speed-limit or engineering changes where warranted.