Like many parents of children who attend San Mateo schools, I would love for my children to walk or bike to school.  It's makes kids healthier, provides them a sense of independence, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and smog, improves road congestion, and decreases other societal costs vs. driving.  Studies even show that kids who walk or bike to school do better in school.  Low income kids are the most likely to bike or walk to school.  Furthermore, due to COVID concerns, walking and biking will be increasingly attractive to children who used to commute via crowded bus or carpool.  

Unfortunately, too many parents are scared to let their kids walk or bike to school.  Drivers are often aggressive, prioritizing their convenience over others' safety.  Speed limits are set too high, increasing the likelihood and severity of vehicle vs. pedestrian collisions.  Traffic enforcement is expensive and impossible at all times.  

The City of San Mateo should join other Bay Area cities in reducing speed limits on the streets around school grounds.  San Francisco, San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale adopted such resolutions.  Last year Hillsborough lowered speed limits around schools within six months of parents requesting the change.  Unlike many infrastructure improvements (bike lanes, other traffic calming measures), reducing speed limits is a relatively quick and inexpensive change. 

This change has broad support in the community.  Many educators and parent groups have endorsed this petition:  SMUHSD Board President Robert Griffin, SMHS PTO President Sandi Del Balso, Serra High School Fathers' Club President Brian Haverty, Aragon PTO President Laura Quanbeck, SM American Little League President Jeff Gilbert.  Endorsing organizations include Aragon PTO, SM American Little League, the Nueva School, and the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition.  (We will be updating this list as additional endorsements come in.)   

City of San Mateo, please take this easy, but important step in protecting our children and improving the livability of our community.  Thank you!  

Mike Swire and the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition