Parents, Schools Share Responsibility for Safe Routes
Parents and schools share responsibility for safe school routes. The Beobachter Consultation Center offers guidance, while authorities must ensure routes are manageable and safe. Parents can request improvements and even take legal action if necessary.
School routes are considered reasonable if they are safe, not too long, and manageable for children. The school must bear the costs of safety measures, which can include a school bus, schedule matching public transport, escort service, Pedibus, compensation for private trips, or a midday meal. Parents can demand a speed reduction or a pedestrian crossing, but authorities follow specific norms.
If a route is too long or dangerous, parents should first discuss the issue with the school, considering the child's perspective and involving other parents. Further safety measures can include traffic education, signaling, and structural changes like traffic lights or side road cutouts. Schools can implement traffic calming measures, while parents can accompany children, teach them road safety, and encourage walking or cycling in groups.
The Beobachter Consultation Center provides free advice to subscribers and charges 60 francs for non-subscribers. Parents and schools must work together to ensure safe and manageable school routes. If necessary, parents can take legal action by requesting a school decision from the school authority or the municipality.
