Back to School: SMPD Reminds Drivers, Students and Families to Put Safety First
August 10, 2026 1:40 PM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — As students return to classrooms and families settle back into the school-year routine, the Santa Monica Police Department is reminding everyone to slow down, stay alert and help make the trip to and from school a safe one.
The start of the school year brings increased vehicle, bicycle, e-bike and pedestrian traffic around Santa Monica schools, particularly during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal. Drivers should plan for additional traffic, allow extra time and remain especially attentive near campuses, crosswalks and bike lanes.
“Getting students safely to school is a responsibility we all share,” said Santa Monica Police Chief Darrick Jacob. “Slow down. Put the phone away. Pay attention to what is happening around you. A few extra seconds of patience can make a meaningful difference when children are walking, biking and riding through our neighborhoods.”
Drivers: Slow Down and Stay Alert
School zones can become busy quickly. Drivers are encouraged to:
• Follow posted speed limits and be prepared to stop for children, pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Obey all directions given by crossing guards and remain stopped until children and the crossing guard have safely cleared the roadway.
• Put phones away and avoid distractions while driving.
• Check mirrors and blind spots carefully before turning, opening a door or entering a bike lane.
• Follow school drop-off and pick-up procedures and avoid double parking or stopping in bike lanes, crosswalks or other areas that reduce visibility.
• Allow extra travel time. Traffic congestion is not a reason to rush through a school zone.
E-Bikes: Parents and Riders, Know Before You Ride
E-bikes are increasingly part of how students travel around Santa Monica. They can be a convenient way to get to school, but speed, traffic and inexperience can create serious risks.
SMPD encourages parents and guardians to understand what their child is riding before allowing them on public streets. Some vehicles marketed as e-bikes are actually high-powered electric motorcycles or off-highway vehicles and may not be legal for a child to operate on public roadways.
Students riding e-bikes should:
• Wear a properly fitted helmet every ride.
• Obey stop signs, traffic signals and other rules of the road.
• Ride with the flow of traffic and use bike lanes where appropriate.
• Slow down around pedestrians, intersections, driveways and school entrances.
• Keep phones put away and avoid anything that limits the ability to hear or see surrounding traffic.
• Never ride recklessly, weave through vehicles or rely on drivers to see you.
Parents should know how the vehicle is legally classified, where it can be operated, what safety equipment is required and whether their child is legally permitted to operate it. For detailed information, visit: santamonica.gov - Know Before Your Ride - E-Bike Safety Information
Students Walking or Biking to School
Students should use sidewalks and designated crossings whenever possible, make eye contact with drivers before crossing and avoid stepping into the roadway from between parked vehicles. Students should always follow the instructions of crossing guards and wait until they are directed to cross.
Bicyclists should ride predictably, follow traffic signals, use hand signals when turning and remain visible to drivers. Students traveling independently should also know their route before leaving home and avoid distractions while crossing streets.
Give Each Other Time and Space
The first few weeks of school often bring heavier traffic as families adjust to new schedules and routines. SMPD asks everyone traveling near a school to exercise patience and remember that children may not always recognize traffic hazards as quickly as adults do.
Whether you are driving, walking, biking or riding an e-bike, slow down, stay aware and look out for one another.
A safe school year starts with a safe trip to school.
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Getting Around, Safety, Youth And Seniors