Safe Routes To School Making Progress

You may have noticed the speed radar signs on Pintail Drive near and Schools.

The signs are just part of a recently completed portion of planning for Suisun City’s Safe Routes to School project and part of a national initiative to make travel to and from school safer for children, as well as decrease traffic congestion and air pollution.

“The police department handles the management of that, now that the signs have been put up and installed and completed,” said Dan Kasperson, Building and Public Works Director.

Kasperson said the police department is also in charge of educating the public on Safe Routes to School. In the past, the police department has put on Bike rodeos for youth to explain the importance of bike safety. The rodeos also have free bike safety checks and safety courses to help refine riding skills.

Funding for the speed radar signs was awarded through a Solano Transportation Authority Grant for $9,800 per sign, equaling $39,200. The four signs were placed in both directions at the closest intersections of Pintail Drive near both schools. Their operation times run before and after school is in session, the time when most children are likely to be present.

The second portion of Safe Routes to School will be a pedestrian and bicycle trail from Grizzly Island Trail to Marina Boulevard on the south side of Highway 12. The path would allow for an easier and safer way for children go to and from the areas near and . Youth traveling from either side to get to school on the other side currently have to cross Highway 12 to reach their destination.

The project was awarded $900,000 by STA grant funds. A preliminary design and conceptual plan is set to be discussed on the March 29 City Council agenda.

“We’re currently advertising for an architect to do the construction docs and we hope to be under construction by the end of the year,” said Kasperson.