Many local K-12 schools will be back in session starting Thursday, August 14, and that means more people walking, biking, driving, and catching buses throughout San Luis Obispo, especially during morning and afternoon hours.

Even if you don’t have school-aged children, this information is important for everyone in our community. Increased traffic near schools, new students navigating bike lanes, and active construction zones all affect how we move around the city.

To help keep everyone safe and informed, the City of San Luis Obispo is sharing tips, resources, and tools you can use this back-to-school season.

Expect more vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians near schools during morning and afternoon hours. It's important to remember to:

• Slow down and watch for students in crosswalks.
• No Parking Near Crosswalks – A new California law restricts parking near crosswalks. No parking within 20 feet approaching a crosswalk. No parking within 15 feet if there’s a curb extension (where the sidewalk extends into the street), this applies to marked and unmarked crosswalks
• Obey school zone speed limits and crossing guards.
• Avoid distracted driving, especially in school zones.

What to know if you’re taking SLO Transit:

• K-12 Students ride at a discount. One ride fares can be purchased on the bus or by downloading the Token Transit App. Passes can also be purchased in person at the Public Works Office (919 Palm Street), Mobility Services (1260 Chorro Street), Chamber of Commerce (895 Monterey St.).
• The Laguna Tripper provides direct service to Laguna Middle School and it aligned with the bell schedule.
• If taking SLO Transit to school, remember to keep book bags and other belongings out of the aisles. Scooters must be collapsable if bringing on the bus.
• All bikes 55lbs and under can be secured on SLO Transit Bike Racks. Watch our quick how-to video and learn how easy it is to load your bike onto a SLO Transit bus rack!

The City provides weekly traffic and construction updates online. These resources are updated regularly and include road closures, detours, and construction timelines within City limits.

• Subscribe for “SLO in Motion” traffic and construction weekly updates as well as transportation news via email: www.slocity.org/Subscribe 
• View Active Traffic and Road Work Updates: www.slocity.org/roadclosures

For alerts and updates in real time, community members can follow official social media accounts, including:

• SLOPD (Facebook @SLOPolice, Instagram @SLO_Police, Twitter/X @SLOCityPolice)
• SLO Transit (Facebook & Instagram @slotransit)
• The City of San Luis Obispo (Facebook, Instagram & Threads @cityofslo, Twitter/X @ city_of_slo)

The City encourages families to walk, bike, or roll to school whenever possible as a healthy, eco-friendly way to start and end the school day. Here are some resources to learn more and get started:

• As part of the City’s Active Transportation Plan, we’ve been expanding access to safe bicycle and pedestrian improvements throughout the community.
• For safety tips, route planning resources, and more information, visit the City’s Roll & Stroll Resource Hub.
• Use this map from SLO Rideshare to help identify the best walking or biking paths to your school.

Together, we can make school commutes safer, greener, and more enjoyable for everyone.

As the new school year begins, let's all do our part to stay alert, share the road, and support a safe return to class for students, families, and educators across San Luis Obispo.

For more information and helpful resources, visit:

• City of San Luis Obispo Traffic and Construction Updates: www.slocity.org/roadclosures
• Sign up for SLO in Motion for construction and related email updates: www.slocity.org/subscribe.
• Local highway lane closures: https://lcswebreports.dot.ca.gov/searchdistricts?district=5
• For school calendars, start times, and school supply lists, visit the following websites:
  • San Luis Coastal Unified School District: www.slcusd.org
  • SLO County Office of Education: www.slocoe.org

Wishing all students, teachers, and families a safe and successful school year!