Safety a top priority as students head back to classes after September long weekend
As backpacks are packed and alarm clocks reset ahead of school resuming next week, Calgary’s public service teams are working behind the scenes to make sure students get there safely.
The City of Calgary has prioritized traffic safety with improvements completed or near completion at more than 50 schools over the past two years, and more planned for 2026. Motorists and pedestrians near these schools will notice measures such as curb extensions (both temporary and permanent), in-street pedestrian signs and/or enhanced signage, sidewalk connections and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB).
While the City and Calgary Police Service continue to improve safety through engineering, enforcement, and education we are urging everyone to stay alert and look out for one another.
“Infrastructure and engineering alone aren’t enough,” says Jacquelyn Oriold, Education Specialist at the City of Calgary. “We need everyone to slow down, stay focused, lose the distractions and take traffic safety seriously. Lives are at stake, and everyone has a role to play whether you drive, walk, bike or roll. Behind every curb extension and flashing beacon is a team of Calgarians who care deeply about our kids’ safety.”
With increased traffic expected this fall, Calgary police are asking commuters to plan ahead and be patient.
“Back to school not only signifies the start of a new year for students, but it also means more vehicle and pedestrian traffic on the roads,” says Insp. Kurt Jacobs of the CPS Traffic Section. “Our priority is keeping all Calgarians safe, especially on the roads. We are reminding students, staff, parents, motorists, and pedestrians to watch out for each other, slow down and obey posted speed limits so all students can have a safe school year.”
Quick stats about speeding in playground zones from CPS enforcement:
- Since 2020 the fastest speeds recorded in a posted 30km/hr zone is 105 km/hr, with two others at 100 km/hr.
- Most tickets fall in the 10-20 km/hr over range.
You’ll see our Traffic Safety Team near schools, talking with parents, waving to students, and ensuring drivers slow down. Their presence isn’t just about enforcement — it’s about care and connection.
“These officers respond to community concerns, educate drivers, and promote safer streets,” says Insp. Brad Johnson with Emergency Management and Community Safety. “Their presence helps slow down traffic and improve awareness in sensitive areas.”
“Officers act as visible deterrents and take proactive steps to help slow down speeders and remind motorists to be aware while driving around schools and through playground zones. By prioritizing these sensitive locations, the team directly contributes to creating a calmer, safer environment on the roadways in our communities.”
To promote safer parking around elementary schools, the City’s Parking Safety and Compliance Team is prioritizing education to encourage responsible behaviour.
“Unsafe parking near schools — such as blocking crosswalks, double-parking, or stopping in no-stopping zones — creates serious safety risks for children and other people who walk, wheel or drive,” says Todd Sullivan, Leader of Parking Patrol and Investigations at the City of Calgary. "Simple actions like parking legally, avoiding drop-off zones and following signage can make a meaningful difference. Our officers will be present not just to enforce rules, but to guide and educate motorists, encouraging a culture of voluntary compliance.”
Meanwhile, upgrading the infrastructure around schools remains a top priority. In addition to the 400 in-street pedestrian signs added throughout the city, temporary curb extensions are being made permanent to enhance safety and traffic flow.
Temporary curb extensions at school crosswalks have proven to be effective in reducing pedestrian exposure to traffic, improving visibility, and calming vehicle speeds. However, these temporary installations have operational limitations, including winter maintenance challenges, lack of curb ramps for accessibility, and extended parking prohibitions due to sightline restrictions. The City of Calgary is gradually converting the temporary curb extensions to permanent installations at high-priority locations, particularly playground zones, to improve pedestrian safety and support active transportation.
Permanent curb extensions offer long-term safety, accessibility, and maintenance benefits, including:
· Improved pedestrian safety – Shorter crossing distances reduce exposure to traffic.
· Better accessibility – Integrated curb ramps support wheelchair users, strollers, and individuals with mobility challenges.
· More efficient traffic management – Permanent extensions improve sightlines while allowing for more flexible parking regulations compared to temporary curbs.
· Lower long-term costs – Coordinating construction with scheduled road resurfacing projects reduces overall expenditures by eliminating redundant mobilization and site work.
These types of improvements are part of the Active and Safe Routes to School (ASRS) program, launched in 2019. The City partners with Ever Active Schools to work directly with students to promote walking and wheeling while also identifying and addressing traffic concerns. So far, 61 Calgary schools have participated, with eight to10 more joining annually.
A key feature of the Active and Safe Routes to School program is the school walkabout, where school boards representatives, school staff, Calgary Police and City officials, parent volunteers and other safety partners identify potential safety issues such as:
- Congestion at drop-off zones
- Speeding in playground areas
- Sign conspicuity and site lines
- Jaywalking and illegal driving
- Missing sidewalks and accessibility gaps
These walkabouts empower students to be stewards of safety and have led to hundreds of improvements over the past six years.
Safety is a shared journey. Whether you're walking your child to school, driving through a playground zone, or helping a neighbour cross the street every action matters. Learn how you can be part of the movement at Calgary.ca/ActiveSchools or Calgary.ca/besafe