There are two type of students. Students who parents drive to school and students who parents don’t. Schools & districts should be focused on improving the commute for students who’s parents don’t drive them.

Here is an example of what we did. There was a entrance into the school parking lot that had parents dropping off blocking the sidewalk of people walking. Video doesn’t capture it perfectly but hopefully you get the idea.

So we closed that entrance. People walking & biking don’t interact with drivers at this spot.

Then you have parents who arrive at the drop off door early and will idle their car feet from children outside waiting.

Then you have all the parents who drop their children off at the closest spot to the door their are allowed to. Morning rat run video sped up a ton.

So we closed down this drop off area & created a Thrive Zone which doesn’t allow any car movement during drop off time. Improves air quality greatly & makes it easier for parents to drop off. Also students get to spread out without worrying about cars. https://twitter.com/coachbalto/status/1204449020287967232

What I have learned from this process. Parents who drive just want their children to be safe from other people driving. It has less to do with time. When you remove car movement during high student movement times like drop off & pick up times it equals the playing field for all.

That is why I am so excited for the School Streets concept done in UK & EU. Hopefully @PeteButtigieg sees the value in focusing resources on students who’s parents don’t drive them. By doing so we can improve safety, have cleaner air & more physical activity for all students.