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This Fall we’ve already seen an exciting increase in bicycle and pedestrian encouragement events in Cupertino. School communities are hitting the ground running (and walking), with walk n roll days, bike trains, don’t drive for donut days, and more! As we all know walking and rolling to school builds community, decreases stress, increases concentration, and bolsters student empowerment. There are so many benefits! So far, our Cupertino schools have collectively held five events this school year and two of our schools hold regularly monthly or bi-monthly walk n roll events. We have four more schools planning to Walk to school for Ruby Bridges National Walk to School Day on November 14th, and all of our High Schools are planning bike to school days in November. We will continue to celebrate and support all Cupertino schools with their encouragement events!
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Reminder- Celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day!
Speaking of Ruby Bridges...
Ruby Bridges, a powerful civil rights advocate, is celebrated annually by Walk and Roll to School events around the country. We invite you to celebrate with us by walking (or rolling) to School on November 14th! Eaton, Lincoln, Sedgwick, and Faria Elementary schools have all put together fun and engaging Walk to School events for their school communities. There is still time for you to participate too! Rally your school community to walk or roll to school on November 14 or just walk or bike yourself. It can be super simple! More information on Ruby Bridges and planning resources.
PS- The sign in this photo was created by Cupertino Elementary School students!
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SJ Mineta- Still Time to Enter!
The Mineta Transportation Institute at San José State University offers several opportunities for students to explore the benefits and challenges of electric bicycles (e-bikes) and to promote safe riding and travel practices. They are running two exciting contests still open with time to enter!
2025-2026 Poster Contest (Grades 1-6
Elementary students across the U.S. are invited to create an original poster illustrating how to stay safe while walking, biking, or rolling to school. This year’s theme, “Be a Safety Designer!”, challenges young artists to design a traffic garden—a miniature city with crosswalks, stop signs, and bike lanes—where kids can learn the rules of the road in a fun, hands-on way. Winning posters will be recognized nationally, and each student will receive a certificate of achievement. We highly encourage our students to enter.
2025-2026 MTI Essay Contest (Grades 6-12) Ride On, Ride Safe—E-Bike Style! Students enrolled in U.S. public, private, or home schools are invited to submit an essay responding to one of four prompts on e-bike safety, licensing, age requirements, school education, or rules for micromobility. Each winner will also receive a certificate of achievement.
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November Safety Tip- See and Be Seen!
Time changes tomorrow night, November 2. As the nights get longer (and hopefully full of more rest!), the days get shorter. This brings challenges to visibility as we walk, bike, scooter, or drive. Everyone plays a part in keeping the roads safe. Drivers, clean your car windows, lights, and mirrors and be aware of low visibility road users. For walkers, scooterers, and cyclists, light up and wear bright clothing!
Here is some more information about lights and visibility:
Lights
By California law, if you’re biking in the dark you must have a white light on the front of your bike and a red light or reflector on the rear of your bike. The front light needs to be clearly visible 300 feet in front of and to the sides of the cyclist.
Wear Bright Clothing and Reflectives to Increase Visibility
Hi-vis yellow and green are the best colors for visibility. Steer clear of dark colors. Reflective details on clothing can boost visibility in general, as well as provide side-visibility, which lights alone often can’t. Reflective piping on gloves can assist others in seeing you and your hand signals.
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Infrastructure Improvements
Pedestrian Safety Enhancements at Stevens Creek Blvd/Phar Lap Intersection
The intersection of Stevens Creek Blvd and Phar Lap Drive has recently been enhanced with additional safety improvements for pedestrians crossing Stevens Creek Blvd. In 2019, the pedestrian-actuated in-pavement lighting was upgraded to brighter, more reliable Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), consistent with best practice as recommended by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Additional RRFB’s have now been added, along with orange crossing flags similar to those currently available at the City’s school crossings, and “shark’s teeth” yield markings on Stevens Creek Blvd at the crosswalk approach. In addition, the City is currently evaluating the feasibility of installing radar speed feedback signs to alert drivers to their speeds as they approach the crossing. Transportation Division staff thanks for Phar Lap neighborhood for their support as the City continues to looks for ways to enhance safety at this important location!
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Join us for SR2S Working Group Meetings
Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Working Group meetings are Hybrid held on the second Wednesday of most months in Conference Room C at Cupertino City Hall and on Zoom. If there's a topic you'd like the Working Group to discuss, email us! saferoutes@cupertino.gov
Visit the link below to register, access agendas, and view the complete list of dates for this school year’s Working Group meetings. We hope to see you at our next meeting!
Working Group Meetings
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Important Upcoming Dates
Agendas will be posted 72 hours before each meeting at the links below.
- Wednesday, November 12, 4:00 p.m.
SR2S Working Group Meeting
Topic: TBD
- Friday, November 14
National Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
- Wednesday, November 19, 7:00 p.m.
Bicycle Pedestrian Commission
Topic: TBD
- Wednesday, November 12, 4:00 p.m.
SR2S Working Group Meeting
Topic: TBD
- No December SRTS Working Group Meeting - Happy Holidays!
- Wednesday, December 17, 7:00 p.m.
Bicycle Pedestrian Commission
Topic: TBD
- Wednesday, Jan 14, 4:00 p.m.
SR2S Working Group Meeting
Topic: TBD
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