Morning Brief: 9th Avenue Closed Wednesday at Westside RR Crossing

1. Walk, bike or roll. Research has proven that kids who walk/bike/scoot to school are more attentive all day long. Visit bit.ly/longmont-bicycling to find the City of Longmont Bicycle & Trails map, plus a map of current trail closures.
   1. Tip: Make walking FUN - learn the flowers/meet the dogs/eat breakfast en route.

2. Create Walking School Buses and Bicycle Trains. Organize a group of children walking or bicycling to school with one or more adults. It can be as informal as two families taking turns walking their children to school or as structured as a planned route with meeting points, a timetable and a schedule of trained volunteers.
3. Park the park and walk the walk. Leave the car at a park near the school and walk the final few blocks; fresh air, quality time with the kiddo(s) and a bit of exercise is good for the whole family – bring the pup, too!
   1. Variation: park at a friend’s house near the school and walk together, enjoying the social time for kids and parents.

4. Give Transit a Try. Take a ride on an RTD bus (it’s free in Longmont!) or the Call-n-Ride to School system with your child; visit rtd-denver.com and start planning your trip.
5. Consider Carpooling. Set up carpools with friends and neighbors that are going to the same school. Carpooling is also a great back-up to have on bad weather days when bicycling or walking isn’t as enjoyable.
6. Set realistic goals. Using an alternative mode just once or twice a week has beneficial results – small actions across many families can make big changes.

According to a City of Longmont press release, "each of us contributes to the chaos when we drive a car to the front of the school. Fewer cars and more pedestrians, bicycles and scooters increases safety and enjoyment for all."

For more information on City’s School Safety and Safe Routes to School maps and resources, visit bit.ly/longmont-safe-routes.

The City would like to remind resident of some safety concerns.

• Be aware of children walking and biking.
• Drive with caution and alertness.
• Respect the speed limit.
• Keep crosswalks clear

"Sometimes when driving, you may see someone stopped and waiting to cross the street. With the best of intentions, you may slow down and wave this person on. However, not only is this illegal, but it puts the pedestrian in an unsafe and precarious situation. Please obey the traffic laws, act predictably and don't risk the ticket or the danger to the pedestrian," the press release reminds residents.