PLEASANT HILL, CA (July 31, 2025) — With the first day of the 2025–2026 school year just a week away, the Pleasant Hill Police Department is reminding the community to prioritize safety as hundreds of students prepare to return to local campuses on foot, bike, and in cars.

The department issued a public safety message Monday morning encouraging drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to be extra cautious during the high-traffic morning and afternoon drop-off times that resume next week.

“SLOOOOW DOWN,” the post begins, playfully but firmly calling attention to a serious issue. “We get it – the mornings are a busy time for everyone and we all have places we need to be. But safety comes first!”

Key reminders from PHPD include:

• Come to a full stop at stop signs. “Cruising through in a hurry” can result in injury—or worse—especially with kids crossing streets.
• Yield to pedestrians, whether you’re in a car or on a bike. “Trying to cut around a corner quickly and almost hitting a person crossing the street is going to cause injury or worse,” the department noted.
• Cyclists must follow traffic laws, including using bike lanes, obeying signs and lights, and riding in the same direction as vehicle traffic.
• Avoid prohibited parking, including blocking driveways, parking in red zones, and ignoring “No Parking” signs around school zones.

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In addition to issuing safety tips, officers said they plan to be visible around schools next week to help keep things running smoothly as families settle back into their school-year routines.

“Enjoy this last week of summer break, kids,” the department said. “We’ll be out there next week to help keep an eye on things as everyone falls back into the school year routine. Stay safe, everyone.”

More Back-to-School Safety Reminders

• Leave a few minutes earlier in the morning to reduce rushed driving
• Avoid distracted driving near schools
• Teach children proper pedestrian and cycling safety habits