Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School
Children should be able to walk to school without worrying about traffic, bullying, harassment, or unsafe conditions along the way.
The Kendall-Whittier Residents Association is exploring ways for neighbors, parents, schools, and volunteers to work together to make school routes safer.
One priority is the Birmingham Avenue pedestrian bridge over I-244, which connects the northern and southern parts of Kendall-Whittier.
A walking school bus is a group of children who walk to school together with responsible adults.
A bike train works similarly, with children riding bicycles in a supervised group.
We would like to explore organized walking groups, meeting points, and volunteer escorts for children whose families want to participate.
We want to explore ways to provide dependable adult supervision along routes used by children, especially near the pedestrian bridge.
Possible activities include:
Requesting trained crossing guards at busy street crossings.
Organizing approved adult volunteers near both bridge entrances.
Ensuring children can be seen and assisted throughout the crossing.
Coordinating escorts before and after school.
Identifying safe alternate routes when necessary.
Volunteers working directly with children would need appropriate screening, training, family permission, and coordination with schools.
The pedestrian bridge presents special concerns because it is narrow, isolated, and has limited ways to enter or leave.
A child could become trapped if other children blocked both ends.
We want to work with students, families, and school staff to identify safety concerns and develop ways to prevent bullying, intimidation, and harassment along school routes.
Children should have safe ways to report problems and seek assistance without fear of retaliation.
Regular maintenance is part of public safety.
We would like to organize neighborhood volunteers to help with appropriate cleanup activities and work with responsible public agencies on:
Removing litter and debris.
Trimming vegetation that blocks visibility.
Keeping entrances, sidewalks, and approaches clear.
Reporting broken lighting and damaged surfaces.
Checking railings, fencing, and other safety features.
Identifying places where children or other pedestrians may be hidden from view.
Volunteers would handle only approved, low-risk activities. Structural repairs, hazardous debris, and work near highway traffic belong to qualified crews.
As Tulsa Public Schools prepares to close or consolidate schools for the 2027–28 school year, some families may face changes in how their children travel to school.
We want to identify transportation and pedestrian safety needs before those changes take effect.
Families and school employees should help determine which routes need attention and what assistance would be useful.
This project is in the planning stage. We are not currently providing a supervised school transportation service.
We welcome suggestions from parents, students, teachers, school employees, and residents about ways to make school routes safer.
Our goal is to build practical neighborhood support that children and families can depend on.