City Recognizes Crossing Guard Appreciation Week from March 18 through March 22, 2024

CONTACT: Grahame Watts, Program Administrator, gwatts@toaks.gov; 805- 449-2453

Alexandra South, Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, asouth@toaks.gov; 805-449-2120

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., March 5, 2024 - The City of Thousand Oaks and the Thousand Oaks Police Department (TOPD) are teaming together to recognize pedestrian safety and the important role that crossing guards play in our community during Crossing Guard Appreciation Week March 18-22, 2024. 

The City’s Crossing Guard Program employs over 30 part-time crossing guards at 24 designated intersections citywide, twice a day, five days a week in all weather conditions, and helps cross over 400,000 pedestrians safely every year. 

“I am proud of the work that our professional crossing guards provide the community. Rain or shine, our guards are out there helping our kids get to school safely” noted Mayor Al Adam. “I ask the community to remember every crosswalk is a chance to make a difference, every stop sign an opportunity to prioritize safety, that responsibility belongs to all of us.” 

The City’s Crossing Guard program works in partnership with the school district to reinforce safe intersection crossing practices. Pedestrian safety is a top priority for the City and our guards play a critical role in supporting student education and safety when crossing roadways to and from school. While crossing guards are provided by the City during the school year, the safety of all pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, and drivers is a shared responsibility of all road users year-round. 

“Pedestrians and bicyclists share the road with motor vehicles. Of course, pedestrians and bicyclists have the same rights to the road as drivers; the difference is they face a greater risk of injury without the protection a vehicle affords.” stated Police Sergeant Matt Ogonowski. “The Thousand Oaks Police Department Traffic Bureau would like to take this time to remind drivers to slow down and pay extra attention when pedestrians and bicyclists are present. Especially when driving through school zones during arrival and dismissal times. Every child deserves the chance to arrive at school safely and return home without incident. Let's work together to make that a reality.” 

The TOPD offers the following safety tips to pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers:

Pedestrians  

1. Be predictable. Use marked crosswalks, when available. 
2. Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks when crossing higher volume, higher speed, and wider streets. 
3. Listen to crossing guards and follow their direction. 
4. Take notice of approaching traffic and practice due care. 
5. Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night. 

Bicyclists  

1. Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, and lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and always wear a helmet. 
2. Obey all traffic laws. This includes riding in the same direction as traffic, following the speed limit, and signaling your turns and stops.  
3. Be aware of your surroundings. Be on the lookout for cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists. 
4. Travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle. 
5. Avoid the door zone: do not ride too close to parked cars. 
6. Use bike lanes If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed. 
7. Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. 

Drivers  

1. Obey speed limits and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop and yield to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. 
2. Share the road with bikes and school buses. 
3. Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn. 
4. Never drive impaired. 
5. Stay off of technology. Pay attention to your surroundings and put down phones and other distractions.  

E-Bikes, Scooters, and Motorcycles: 

1. Use the throttle assist wisely. Do not accelerate too quickly, especially when cornering or riding in wet or slippery conditions.  

To learn more about enhanced safety measures in place citywide or the City’s Crossing Guard Program, please visit walk2schoolto.org.

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