Fresno County improves student walk safety to schools

Fresno County is working to improve safety for students walking to school. The Fresno County Department of Public Works and Planning has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. This money will help them assess conditions around schools with "walk audits." These audits involve examining areas around schools to find out how students travel to and from school. Officials will look at pickup and drop-off points. Erin Haagenson, a program manager for the department, explained that consultants will join school and community leaders during these evaluations. Recently, auditors visited Powers-Ginsburg Elementary to gather feedback from parents. Many parents feel that the school area is generally safe but see room for improvement. Parent Desiree Bryant mentioned that adding sidewalks on certain streets would help since many parents park on the street and walk their kids across. Haagenson noted that the audits will help identify both short-term and long-term improvements. This could mean installing more school speed limit signs or even building new sidewalks. The walk audits will take place from March 25 to April 21.