Parents Urge Saanich School to Revise Student Crossing Plan

Concerns about student safety at Cloverdale Traditional Elementary School in Saanich have prompted parents to advocate for changes to the school’s current student crossing procedures. In a letter to local authorities, Lorraine Lindsay, a former student of the school, highlighted the need to reassess the school’s exit strategy to better protect children as they navigate busy streets.

During her time at Cloverdale, from September 1961 to June 1968, Lindsay recalls a much simpler system. Students used to leave the school grounds via Quadra Street, but that changed when the school restricted access to the back playing field facing Linwood Avenue. From there, students would cross at the intersection of Cook and Linwood, escorted by two crossing guards and a supervising teacher. Lindsay noted that traffic was significantly lighter back then, allowing this system to function smoothly for the approximately 500 students attending the school.

Today, the scenario has changed dramatically. With increased traffic on Cook Street, Lindsay argues that the school should revert to its previous method for student crossings. She suggests relocating the crossing guard to the newly established pedestrian-controlled lights at the marked crossing. This would enable the crossing guard to activate the lights when a group of students gathers, ensuring their safe passage across the road.

Research shows that pedestrian-controlled signals have proven effective in managing traffic flow while allowing safe crossings for pedestrians. The current setup, where a light flashes to stop cars from both directions, has been implemented for several years. Lindsay believes that this system can be enhanced with minor adjustments to accommodate the needs of students without overly disrupting traffic.

According to Lindsay, configuring the traffic light for shorter cycles during peak school hours would mitigate potential delays for motorists on Cook Street. She estimates that this approach would only inconvenience drivers twice a day for approximately 20 minutes before and after school hours. Lindsay encourages drivers to consider alternate routes during these times if they find the brief delays unacceptable.

Lindsay’s call for action reflects a broader concern for child safety in school zones, particularly as urban areas experience increased vehicular traffic. By advocating for a system that prioritizes student safety during peak traffic times, she hopes to foster a safer environment for the next generation of students at Cloverdale Traditional Elementary School.

As discussions around this issue continue, parents and community members eagerly await a response from school administrators and local authorities regarding potential changes to the current crossing procedures.