What drivers need to know for the back-to-school commute
The City of Calgary has completed traffic safety upgrades at 50 schools across the city in 2026 to protect young pedestrians, cyclists, and families during busy back-to-school commutes. The multi-point overhaul features proven traffic-calming measures, including speed humps, curb extensions, and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, designed to slow vehicles and shorten street crossing distances in active playground zones.
The data-backed improvements significantly boost pedestrian safety and support the city’s Vision Zero initiative. Curb extensions reduce collisions by 30 to 45 per cent, while flashing beacons increase driver yield compliance to cut collisions by up to 40 per cent. Combined, these treatments improve intersection safety by up to 80 per cent. Additionally, speed cushions installed at 17 schools this year have reduced average driving speeds by 7 km/h on 50 km/h roadways.
To support the infrastructure upgrades, Calgary Police and Parking Safety officers will be active in school zones to enforce speed limits and curb unsafe parking that blocks sightlines. “The City has made significant investments to improve safety around schools, but infrastructure is only part of the solution,” said Jacquelyn Oriold, Safety Education Programs Manager. “The simple choices we make behind the wheel, such as slowing down, staying focused, parking safely and keeping crossings clear, make a real difference.”