Slow for Students

Slow for Students aims to create a safer environment around schools for students by promoting safe driving near schools and reducing speed limits. In doing so, the City strives to give students the option to safely walk and bike to school and have a healthier lifestyle. 

Slow for Students is an extension of the Safe Streets San Mateo effort. 

Get Involved

Help promote safety near schools by sharing or posting the Slow for Students materials provided at the bottom of this page or sharing our social posts (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor) on your own social channels. Enter #SlowforStudents in your social search engines, and like and share to let your family and friends know you support Slow for Students.

Any resident can get involved by reducing speeds when driving near schools and being aware of pedestrians and bicyclists while driving. 

Contact

Public Works Department
Publicworks@cityofsanmateo.org
(650) 522-7300

Reduced Speed Limits Near Schools

To ensure a safe environment for students, speed limits around schools are being lowered to 15 and 25 miles per hour (mph). Qualifying streets within 500 feet of the school will have a 15 mph speed limit and streets within 500-1000 feet from a school will have a 25 mph speed limit.

The Public Works Department is rolling out new speed limit signs in three phases. Notifications with construction information will be sent to schools and residents near schools at the beginning of each phase.

Phase 1 - Public Elementary and Middle Schools (completed)
Phase 2 - Private Elementary and Middle Schools (in design)
Phase 3 - High Schools (in design)

Construction Information - Phase 1 Schools

Installation of new speed limit signs is now underway for schools included in Phase 1. The work is anticipated to be complete in Fall 2023 before the new school year. Vehicles must abide by the reduced speed limit when children are present.

Click the map on the right see where speed limits are being lowered for Phase 1 and what the new speed limit will be.

Schools included in Phase 1 are listed below:

  • Abbott Middle School
  • Bayside Academy
  • Beresford Elementary School 
  • Borel Middle School
  • College Park Elementary School 
  • Fiesta Gardens International Elementary School
  • George Hall Elementary School
  • Laurel Elementary School
  • LEAD Elementary School 
  • North Shoreview Montessori School 
  • Parkside Elementary School
  • San Mateo Park Elementary School 
  • Sunnybrae Elementary School
Reduced Speed Limits Phase 1 Map

Phase 2 and 3 Schools

Phase 2 - Private Elementary and Middle SchoolsPhase 3 - High Schools
Centennial Montessori SchoolHillsdale High School
The Carey SchoolJunipero Serra High School
Shiloh United SchoolSan Mateo High School
Stanbridge Academy
St. Gregory Elementary School
St. Matthew Catholic School
St. Timothy School
  1. What is Slow for Students?
  2. How do I get a Slow for Students yard sign?
  3. What were the criteria for streets to be selected for new reduced speed limits?
  4. There's a street I'm concerned about which is not getting a reduced speed limit. What can I do?
  5. When will reduced speed limit signs be installed at San Mateo’s high schools?
  6. When will reduced speed limit signs be installed at San Mateo’s private schools?
Slow for Students San Mateo
Slow for Students reduced speed limit sign near school
Slow for Students and their families
Desacelerar para estudiantes y sus familias
Slow for Students crossing the street
Desacelerar para estudiantes cruzando la calle
Slow for Students reduced speed limits near San Mateo schools
Desacelerar para estudiantes señal
Slow for Students walking home
Desacelerar para estudiantes caminando desde la escuela
Slow for Students walking to school
Desacelerar para estudiantes caminando a la escuela

Show Your Support

Download, share, and post these Slow for Students materials to show your support for safety near schools.

Slow for Students FlyerDesacelerar para estudiantes volante
Pick up a free yard sign to show your support:Recoja un letrero de jardín gratis para mostrar su apoyo:
Slow for Students San Mateo Yard Sign
Desacelerar para estudiantes - Letrero de jardín