Safe Walking Routes

As part of the Benton-Franklin Regional Safe Routes to School Plan, the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments partnered with the Richland School District and the cities of Richland and West Richland to gather input from families living within each school's attendance boundary. That feedback was used to create Safe Routes to School maps for every school in the district. These maps highlight recommended walking and biking routes to help families plan safe and reliable ways for students to travel to and from school.

Determination of Walk Area
Review of Safe Walking Routes

Determination of Walk Area

In accordance with WAC 392-141-340, each district or charter school shall determine the walk area for each school building or learning center where students are enrolled, attend class and transportation is provided.

The process will identify preferred walking routes from each neighborhood to each elementary school as required by RCW 28A.160.160 (5). Walk areas will be reviewed as conditions change or every two years.

RCW 28A.160.160 (5) states that a “walk area” means that area around a school with an adequate roadway configuration to provide students access to school with a walking distance of less than one mile. Mileage must be measured along the shortest roadway or maintained public walkway where hazardous conditions do not exist.

A hazardous condition would be a roadway that does not have a safe walking path or sidewalks, is not lit via streetlights.

With a recent approval of School Board Policy No. 6600, The district may provide safe and efficient transportation to and from school for all students living in the District:

Whose route stop of an elementary level student is more than one (1) radius mile from their attendance area school, the route stop of a secondary level student is more than one and a half (1 ½) radius miles from their attendance area school.
Whose walk route to school is hazardous

Review of Safe Walking Routes

Parents expressing any concerns with their child walking to and from school should first schedule a meeting with the building principal, who will attempt to resolve the problem.
In that attempt to solve the concern, the building principal may meet with the Transportation Director.
The Transportation Director will review the walking area and determine if it meets criteria as mentioned in the “Determination of Walk Area.”

Note: All safe walk routes, created in conjunction with Benton-Franklin Council of Governments (BFCOG), have been reviewed and approved by the school district. Routes are subject to change.

Elementary Schools

Secondary and Choice Schools

Three Rivers HomeLink

Safety Reminders for Families

Walking Safety

Stay Aware: Keep your eyes on your surroundings and not on a screen or device.
Use the Buddy System: Students should walk in groups of two or more.
Practice Safe Street Crossing: Be aware of your surroundings and cross streets at marked crosswalks. If possible, wait to cross until at a crosswalk with a crossing guard.
Report Suspicious Activities: Immediately tell responsible adults about any suspicious activities or people encountered to or from school.
Never Accept Offerings: Never accept anything from a stranger.
Know Personal Details: Make sure younger kids know their name, address, phone number, including area code, and who to call in case of an emergency.
Stay in Well-lit Areas: Avoid alleys or poorly lit streets.
Avoid Using Headphones: Stay alert by not using headphones while traveling.

Biking Safety

Rules of the Road: Practice basic rules of the road.
1. Stop and look both ways when entering the street
2. Stop at all intersections, whether marked or unmarked
3. Respect traffic lights and stop signs
4. Before turning, use hand signals and look in every direction
Protect Your Head: Use a helmet, no matter how short or long of a ride.
Distracted Drivers: Remind bike riders not to talk on the cell phone or text while riding. Also avoid other distracting behaviors such as eating.
Know the Route: Practice riding the route with your student so they are familiar with the roads.

Pre-K & Elementary

Middle Schools

High Schools

Choice Schools