Back-to-school time means more driver caution in school zones; speed limits to begin again in coming weeks

(Update: adding video, comment from Bend Police and Commute Options)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- With summer break coming to a close in the next few weeks for schools in Bend and across the High Desert, the city is reminding folks of the reimplementation of school zone speed limits.

Most Bend schools begin fall semester just after Labor Day, which means the start of modified school limits on roads around schools in order to increase student safety when traveling to and from schools.

Not all school speed zones are alike. Flashing lights were installed in the zones around several schools in recent years, advising drivers they need to slow down whenever they are flashing, during morning arrival and afternoon departure times. Others still have a set time of day for the required slow-down, or "when children are present."

Bend-La Pine Schools kicks off the school year Sept. 4 for 33 schools serving over 18,000 students.

"We encourage drivers to slow down, be aware, stop for people crossing the street, students crossing the street and have a safe experience for everyone," Commute Options Executive Director Brian Potwin said Monday

Potwin reminds parents that it offers educational tools with a focus on safety.

"We teach not only bicycle safety, but also pedestrian walking and safety. so the students are also learning how to engage with motor vehicle drivers in a safe and productive manner," Potwin said. 

The Bend Police Department has a reminder about laws covering kids walking to school.

Communications Manager Sheila Miller said, "In Oregon, kids and adults can cross those striped marked crosswalks, but they can also cross legally at any corner. And so if you see someone who is approaching a crosswalk, who is stepping into a crosswalk, you need to stop."

Miller points out three types of school zones. When lights are flashing, whenever children are present, and between set hours like 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. In each zone, the speed limit is 20 mph. 

"There are kids walking, kids riding their bikes, so it's just a really good reminder to slow down, pay attention," Miller said. "If this is the excuse you need to get off your phone, get off your phone and look around, because the last thing anybody wants to do is hurt a kid."

There will be an added police presence the first few weeks of school, reminding drivers that school zones are in action again. School buses also will be back on the road by the beginning of September, requiring drivers to be patient.

"If you're on a road and you see a bus stop, you can't just go around it. There could be kids crossing," Miller said. "The last thing we want is for a child to get hurt because you're in a hurry to get somewhere."

One final reminder from Bend Police: Those who get to and from school on e-bikes must be 16 years or older and must follow Oregon traffic laws. E-bikes are not permitted at Bend-La Pine middle and elementary schools.