Back to school safety reminders for parents, students and drivers
With local schools starting this week and next, it’s time for everyone — parents, students and drivers — to stay alert and prioritize safety. Expect to see more kids walking, biking, skateboarding and commuting around town, which means increased traffic and congestion during school hours. Plan ahead and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
Police officers may be present in school zones to assist with pedestrian safety and help ensure students are safely dropped off and picked up. Their presence supports a smooth and secure start and end to each school day.
Children should be familiar with safe routes to school and have a designated meeting spot with their parents or guardians for after-school pickup. To support safe travel, Menlo Park offers a Safe Routes to School program. The citywide walk and roll map, tips for staying safe near train tracks and other resources for students and families are available on the Safe Routes to School page.
As a reminder:
- California law requires anyone under 18 to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard or skates.
- Bicyclists must travel in the same direction as vehicle traffic and follow all road signs and signals.
- It is essential to obey school crossing guards and avoid distractions by putting away handheld devices while walking or riding.
- Residents can register their bicycles with the Menlo Park Police Department. This voluntary program makes it easier for authorities to return recovered stolen bikes to their rightful owners.
Information provided by the City of Menlo Park
InMenlo file photo (c) 2025
I ride Menlo Park August 16, 2025 at 8:19 am
If you walk, bike, or roll and are involved in any type of incident with a motorized vehicle call the following numbers and ask to file an incident report to protect yourself and help prevent future incidents.
1. Call 911 in an emergency.
2. Non-emergency numbers:
Menlo Park: (650) 330-6317
Atherton: (650) 688-6500
As a reminder to drivers:
Key aspects of safe operation include:
1.Drivers must keep over three feet when passing people rolling or biking.
2.Slowing Down: If unable to maintain distance, drivers must wait until safe.
3.Universal Application: All motor vehicles must comply, reducing risks on the road.
*Bicycles may now enter an intersection “early” with pedestrians if the pedestrian signal shows WALK even though the motor vehicle signal is still red. (CVC 21456)
* Expands the 3-foot passing rule for cars to require moving over into an adjacent lane if possible. Mirrors similar requirements for emergency vehicles and construction workers. (CVC 21760(c))
*Under CVC 21208, a cyclist doesn’t have to stay in a bike lane if there’s a hazard in their path, when they’re turning, when they’re passing, or while traveling in a construction zone.