Back to School | Let’s Keep Kids Safe

As students return to classrooms across Calgary, our streets and school areas become busier. More children and families will be walking, wheeling, cycling and driving near schools, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. I acknowledge that many of our recently built school sites are not meeting the safety needs of the community, and it is something I continue to try and advocate to the province about as they advance a number of new school sites in our Ward.

The City of Calgary’s 2026 Back to School Safety Campaign is reminding all Calgarians of a simple but important message: kids deserve to get to and from school safely, and your driving choices matter.

The campaign runs from August 24 to September 20, 2026, and encourages parents, caregivers and all road users to slow down, stay focused and make thoughtful choices around schools and playground zones. Keep an eye out for posters like the one below, and share it with others in your community.

Slow down and stay focused

Small decisions behind the wheel can make a significant difference to the safety of children and families. Drivers are encouraged to:

• Plan extra time for busy school-area traffic.
• Slow down and scan ahead for children, cyclists and other road users.
• Put distractions away while driving.
• Be prepared to stop, even when children are not immediately visible.
• Follow posted signs and school drop-off procedures.

Children do not perceive traffic in the same way adults do. They may move unpredictably, misjudge the speed or distance of a vehicle, or be difficult to see between parked cars. Slowing down and staying alert gives drivers more time to respond.

Know the playground zone rules

In Calgary, playground zones have a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

During playground zone hours, drivers must not pass another vehicle or a person cycling. Reducing speed and giving other road users plenty of space helps create safer conditions for everyone near schools and playgrounds.

Park smart and keep crossings clear

Where and how we stop or park can affect whether children can see vehicles, and whether drivers can see children. This is especially important for parents during drop off and pick up times at school.

When driving near schools, please:

• Keep crosswalks and intersections clear.
• Do not stop or park in a crosswalk.
• Avoid double parking.
• Keep school bus zones and driveways clear.
• Follow parking signs and your school’s drop-off procedures.
• Park a few blocks away when possible and walk the rest of the way.

Parking farther from the school can also help reduce congestion during arrival and dismissal times. Families may wish to consider walking or cycling part of the way, carpooling, or arranging a meeting point away from the busiest school entrances.

School Patrol officers are active

Calgary Parking School Patrol officers help support safer drop-off and pick-up areas in school zones during the back-to-school season. Their work helps reinforce safe driver behaviour and supports children and families as they travel to and from school.

Learn more about the School Patrol program at calgaryparking.com/schoolpatrol.

A shared responsibility

Creating safer school areas is a shared responsibility. The Back to School Safety Campaign supports The City’s Safer Mobility Plan by combining education, enforcement and safer street design.

Whether you are driving, walking, cycling or wheeling, please take extra care as school returns. Slow down, stay focused, park legally and leave enough space for children to move safely.

Let’s work together to make school travel safer for everyone in Ward 2 and across Calgary.

For more information, visit calgary.ca/backtoschool.