Officials remind motorists: Share the road

With students returning to school this week, officials are reminding motorists to be extra cautious.

"We need to be particularly careful for pedestrians and bicyclists when school is in session, but particularly when school is starting," said Carson City Transportation Manager Patrick Pittenger. "Some of these children are going places they're not

used to."

And being careful means more than just slowing down, said Dan Allison, coordinator for the Safe Routes to School program.

"It's about paying attention," he said. "They shouldn't be using their cell phones or talking to their kids anywhere near a school."

Allison said programs are in place, including a district-wide "walk to school day" on Oct. 17, to encourage more students to walk, bike or scooter to school.

The benefits for children include increased physical activity, decreased obesity-related illnesses, lessening pollution and helping the youth gain a sense of independence, he said.

Drivers, he said, need to be aware of the increase and respectful of others on the road.

"The streets belong to everybody," Allison said. "Kids should have the right to get to school by their own power without being in danger by cars."

Likewise, Pittenger said, the city is encouraging more bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

"It alleviates traffic congestion and fuel consumption and promotes better health," he said.

Cyclists and pedestrians, he said, also share the responsibility in making the roadways safe.

"We encourage everyone to take the safest route possible," Pittenger said. "If there is a sidewalk available, walk on it. If there is a crosswalk available, please use the crosswalk.

"We encourage all bicyclists to follow the rules. Be aware. Use hand signals and always wear a helmet."

He said the city is looking for ways to make safer routes, including sidewalk upgrades throughout town.

This summer, the transportation department completed a $300,000 project, a mixture of local and federal funds, in conjunction with the Carson City School District to improve sidewalks around Empire Elementary School.

A new sidewalk was also added along the length of Stanton Drive, from Fairview Drive to Monte Rosa Drive in front of the school.

New crosswalks were added in the area, and existing one were repainted.

Pittenger said crosswalks around all Carson City schools will receive new paint in the coming weeks.

Radar signs will also be installed on Fairview Drive, Saliman Road and King Street to inform motorists of their speed and remind them of the limits in school zones.

Another project to facilitate more pedestrian and bicycle ease is the connector path being built by the Nevada Department of Transportation as part of the freeway expected to open in mid- to late-September.

The path will connect existing trails and will run from Roop Street near Governors Field east to Saliman. Where that path currently dead-ends near Fremont Elementary School, it will pick up and connect north along the west side of the freeway.

It will go under the freeway and run along Fifth Street. It will connect to the existing trail along Fairview Drive.

"The key word is connectivity," Pittenger said.

He said that by working together the community can create more dynamic and safe roadways. If someone, especially a child, is killed, he said, blame is little consolation.

"Safety is everybody's responsibility," he said. "It doesn't matter if you're riding a bike or driving a care, it's everybody's job to prevent accidents."