Golden State Today

The Goleta Police Department is inviting families and students to participate in "Walk and Roll to School Day" on Wednesday, October 9. This annual event emphasizes the benefits of exercise while promoting pedestrian and road safety.

Sergeant Noel Rivas highlighted the event's potential for community building, stating, “This is an amazing opportunity for families to build stronger community bonds.” He added that it promotes pedestrian safety, advocates for safer routes for walking and biking to school, and underscores the importance of boosting physical activity among children.

On October 9, increased foot and bike traffic is expected, requiring drivers to exercise extra caution. Drivers are advised to be prepared to stop for school buses and children crossing streets and to always watch their speed in school zones.

The Goleta Police Department has provided several tips for students who will walk, bike, or roll to school. These include planning routes with sidewalks or paths away from traffic, using crosswalks at stop signs or signals, looking left-right-left before crossing streets, watching for cars entering or leaving driveways or parking spaces, wearing helmets when riding or rolling, being visible at all times by wearing bright clothing during the day and reflective materials at night, and staying alert without distractions from electronic devices.

Schools are encouraged to register at walkbiketoschool.org to track participation and support active transportation initiatives. The program receives funding from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office provides police services for the City of Goleta.