Your Afternoon Walk Keeps Kids Safe

Your eyes and feet are wanted on our neighborhood streets each weekday afternoon between 2:30 and 5pm. 

A new program called "Safe School Zones" is encouraging residents to get out and walk to help keep kids safe when school lets out. Focusing on eight public and private schools around the Central District (mapped at left), the goal is to keep a positive adult presence on the streets and encourage a walkable community.

The Seattle Neighborhood Group also has a list of general pedestrian safety tips:

• Encourage them to be alert while walking – donʼt let your mp3 player or cell phone distract you from what is going on around you.
• Walk in groups when possible.
• Walk assertively, acknowledging the people whom you pass along the way. 
• Carry your valuables safely and donʼt display items of value. 
• Stay on paths that are well lit where you can easily see and be seen. 
• Pay attention to the uncomfortable feelings that often warns us of potential danger. Donʼt be afraid to cross the street, return to a business or ask for help based on that “funny feeling,” – you may be right. “Trust Your Gut.”

See the attached flyer for full details, as well as tips for what to do if you can't get out and walk.