As changes to school zones and playground zones are set to take effect in September, the City of Lethbridge is partnering with Slow Your Roll and the Lethbridge YMCA to help promote safe and consistent speed zones in the community.
The harmonization of school and playground zones to a 30 kilometres an hour speed limit from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, was approved at council this week and will take effect on September 5.
Chris Dipasquale, founder of the Slow your Roll campaign says the program fully supports the city’s decision.
“When we were contacted by the city, we of course met and talked about the change and really understood that this was a push in the right direction and that’s what our program has always been about,” says Dipasquale.
Dispasquale realizes community members can be resistant to change, especially when people are told to slow down, but says that the program is about personal awareness.
“Ultimately these programs and the city’s programs aim at keeping kids safer,” says Dipasquale. “This program exists 24/7 12 months a year, the reason for that is because kids are always coming and going.”
Ahmed Ali, transportation engineer for the City of Lethbridge says the city is excited to have the support of various community groups and families in the area that share the common goal of community safety.
“Research shows us that slower speeds make roads safer and that is especially important in areas where children are playing,” says Ali.
The harmonization of school and playground zones was part of the City of Lethbridge Transportation Safety Plan, which was completed in 2021.