Increasing Safety for Students and Drivers

The City prioritizes the safety of all community members. In preparation for the 2025 school year, the Planning and Development Department installed new rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) school zone yellow flashing lights around five Westerville elementary schools and one middle school to help draw drivers' attention to crosswalks, reduce the speed of traffic in school zones and increase pedestrian safety.

The new RRFB lights have been installed at the following schools:

• Whittier Elementary School
• Cherrington Elementary School
• Pointview Elementary School
• McVay Elementary School
• Mark Twain Elementary and Walnut Springs Middle Schools (one of three replaced)

As the school year kicks off, please take a moment to review the following information to ensure that you are familiar with crosswalk guidelines and general tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

• Cross the street at crosswalks, if available.

• Look both ways and pause to ensure that traffic is stopped before crossing the street.

• Follow the rules of the road and pay attention to traffic signs and car signals.

• Walk on sidewalks, as opposed to the street, whenever possible.

• If sidewalks are not accessible, walk on the street facing traffic, but as far away from traffic as possible.

Safety Tips for Bicyclists

• Pay attention to traffic signs and signals, as well as road lane markings.

• When crossing the street, dismount your bike and wheel it through a designated crosswalk.

• When making a turn, be vigilant of traffic in all directions, including behind you. Use hand signals to indicate which direction you plan to turn.

• Use a bike path, whenever available.

• When a bike path isn't accessible, children less than 10 years old should ride on the sidewalk.

• Older children and adults should ride on the street in the same direction as motorists.

• Whether riding on the road or sidewalk, yield to pedestrians when crossing the street.

Safety Tips for Drivers

• Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the street within or outside of crosswalks.

• Be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicyclists, even in areas where pedestrian and bicyclist traffic is uncommon.

• As you approach a crosswalk in a high-traffic pedestrian or bicyclist area, reduce distractions and look around to ensure that you have a clear view of anyone who may cross the street.

• Be mindful of unpredictable speeds of approaching bicyclists, as it can be difficult to gauge speed from different angles.

• Be kind and share the road with bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages; especially in areas without designated crosswalks or sidewalks.

For more tips and general safety guidelines, visit www.Westerville.org/Trails.