The new school year begins Tuesday, August 27. Whether you drive, walk or bike, the Battle Ground Police Department urges you to focus on safety.
Roads, sidewalks and crosswalks will be busy with children traveling to and from school. Police officers urge motorists to be aware of 20 mph school zones, to stop at all intersections controlled by stop signs and signal lights, and that people using a crosswalk have the right-of-way. Expect congestion and delays, especially the first few weeks of school, and be patient. Drive with intention and with your focus on safety.
Pedestrians and bicyclists should make themselves super-visible by wearing reflective or bright clothing or gear; bicyclists should always wear a helmet. At all times, be aware of your surroundings – make eye contact with motorists so you know they see you and cross the street at intersections and within crosswalk lines, if available.
Students who choose to drive to Battle Ground High School and park off-campus should be aware of restricted parking areas. Some neighboring streets, including sections of SW 1st Street, limit parking to a maximum of two hours. The restrictions are in place to make sure parking is available for patrons of nearby businesses. Those who fail to follow the two-hour parking restriction are subject to a fine. Signs are clearly posted on every street with restrictions.
School buses will be out in force. Police remind motorists that it is illegal to pass a school bus that has stopped to receive or discharge students. School bus drivers will use flashing yellow lights to alert motorists that they are going to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm indicate that the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off. Motorists are required to stop their cars and wait until the red flashing lights are turned off, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they start driving again.