City of Lincoln highlights 33 projects finished right before school starts, ensuring child safety
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Today, the City of Lincoln highlighted the progress made regarding the Lincoln Safe Routes to School initiative. The City launched the program in 2020 and has completed 33 improvement projects since then.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said the projects finished will contribute to child safety.
“Public safety is my administration’s top priority, and that commitment extends to every child making their way to and from school,” said Gaylor Baird said. “Every student should be able to begin and end the school day with a safe journey, whether they walk, bike, ride the bus, or travel by car. Making that possible takes all of us working together.”
The projects included new reduced speed limit signs, refreshed crosswalk markings and new curb extension for Brownell Elementary. Along with that, Huntington Elementary received a new curb extension that reduces crossing distance.
Along with the projects being completed, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU), the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) and the Safe Kids Lancaster County Coalition all work to connect with students and community in order to inform residents of ways to safely arrive and leave school.
“When we can improve safety – parents feel more comfortable having their kids walking, biking and rolling to school. And with more students using active transportation, we also gain the benefit of increased physical activity,” Kerry Kernen, director of LLCHD, said.
LTU connected with residents to educate on how to safely walk and bike to school.
Parks and Recreation Director Maggie Stuckey-Ross said trail safety is another important part to safely getting to and from school.
“Whether you’re driving, biking, walking, or rolling, we all have a responsibility to watch out for one another. Together, we can help ensure every student gets to school safely, enjoys the journey, and returns home safely at the end of the day,” Stuckey-Ross said.
