By Lookout Staff

August 11, 2025 – With the opening of schools fast approaching, 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."

Police officials note that the start of the school year brings increased vehicle, bicycle, e-bike and pedestrian traffic around Santa Monica schools, especially 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, officials said.

“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,” Jacob said.

Police officials note that school zones can become busy quickly and encourage drivers to follow posted speed limits, which have been reduced around school zones, and be prepared to stop for children, pedestrians and bicyclists.

Drivers also should "obey all directions given by crossing guards and remain stopped until children and the crossing guard have safely cleared the roadway."

In addition, they should "check mirrors and blind spots carefully before turning, opening a door or entering a bike lane" and "follow school drop-off and pick-up procedures and avoid double parking or stopping in bike lanes, crosswalks or other areas that reduce visibility."

Police officials also caution that while more students are using e-bikes to conveniently get to school, "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," officials said. "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."

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," officials said.

Students walking or biking to school 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."

In addition, students should always follow the instructions of crossing guards and wait until they are directed to cross. Students traveling independently should also know their route before leaving home and avoid distractions while crossing streets.

Bicyclists should "ride predictably, follow traffic signals, use hand signals when turning and remain visible to drivers.

"The first few weeks of school often bring heavier traffic as families adjust to new schedules and routines," police officials said. "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."