Portland Police recently concluded a two-week traffic enforcement mission around all Portland schools timed to coincide with the start of the school year. As part of Operation Safe School Return, Portland Police issued 1193 citations, including 190 speed violations and 24 cell phone violations.

Portland Police conducted the mission in cooperation with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT).  The goals of this partnership are to provide a positive and safe environment for our children to travel to and from school and a safe environment in and around schools for students, parents, staff and neighbors during the start of the 2013-2014 school year.

 
To support a safe trip to school, PBOT’s Safe Routes to School program provides pedestrian and bicycle safety instruction to thousands of students at schools across the city beginning September 9 and continuing through the school year. 

For the safety of children and all road users, the bureaus offer these tips: 

* If you're driving, obey the 20 mph speed limit in school zones.

 
* Be vigilant for and courteous to children crossing the street. 

* If you're a parent, consider walking or biking to school with your students to reduce congestion, improve safety and provide young people with needed physical activity.