In Winter/Spring 2022, the County retrofitted and installed 20mph school slow zone demonstrations at 13 schools (Phase 1). The retrofits included reviewing all existing school zone speed limits and ensuring high visibility crossings and school zone signage within the school zone, as well as identifying and installing 20MPH speed limits (at all times of day) on neighborhood streets within 600ft of a school access point. The retrofits/demonstration school slow zones were installed in early 2022.

Phase 1 Demonstration Information & School Zone Maps 

View the flyer on school slow zone demonstrations (Phase 1): English | Español | አማርኛ  | العربية | Монгол

In spring 2022, staff collected community feedback to learn about community experiences and observations during the demonstrations. Community feedback indicated that many people felt safer walking, biking, and driving because of the new school slow zones. Before/after speed data was inconclusive due to data collection errors. View the 2022 Demonstration School Slow Zones Feedback & Program Update for details. 

In response to the experiences and community feedback observed in Phase 1, Arlington enhanced enforcement, signage, and communications in the next Phase 2 round of school slow zones. Phase 2 installations included Board approval of an amendment to Chapter 14.2 of the County Code to allow for permanent 20mph speed limits on neighborhood streets within 600 feet of a school access point. Phase 2 school zone retrofits were installed in spring/summer 2023.

Phase 2 School Zone Maps  

View the 2023 (Phase 2) School Slow Zone Flyer

Arlington just completed the installation of the third and final phase of school zone retrofits / school slow zones. In 2023, Staff met with faculty at each of the 19 remaining/Phase 3 schools to confirm the school slow zone segments and discussed other school-specific transportation safety concerns. We then inventoried each school zone and finalized signage/marking plans for each retrofit. Phase 3 school zone retrofits were installed in spring/summer 2024.

Phase 3 School Zone Maps

View the 2024 (Phase 3) School Slow Zone Flyer

APS hosts the bike education trailer unit that reaches each school within a two-year period to teach students how to ride a bike over a week-long period.

Arlington pursued the development of Traffic Garden Guidelines to create a resource for schools and community organizations to create safe, fun spaces for elementary aged students to practice the rules of the road on their bikes or scooters. Arlington is continuing to pursue options to install permanent traffic garden facilities in the county. 

APS works with organizations like Arlington Families for Safe Streets to host traffic safety focused assemblies at middle schools to create lasting impressions about the importance of traffic safety at an influential age.

ACPD and DES host educational events at middle schools through fun, interactive activities focused on anti-impaired driving, bike safety, and ART/iRide transportation options. 

ACPD and DES host educational events at high schools through fun, interactive activities focused on anti-impaired driving, bike safety, and ART/iRide transportation options.