News release
Richmond RCMP reminds drivers to slow down as students return to class
September 1, 2026
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Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP
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With Richmond students returning to class on September 8, Richmond RCMP is asking drivers to obey posted speed limits and to watch for children walking, cycling, and rolling near schools.
The detachment’s Road Safety Unit and Community Engagement Team will conduct targeted enforcement and outreach outside local schools during the first weeks of the school year, with support from Community Policing Volunteers. Officers will be visible near school zones and available to answer questions from drivers, parents and students.
School zone speed limits of 30 km/h are in effect on school days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless otherwise posted, and playground limits of 30 km/h apply every day from dawn to dusk. Drivers are reminded to leave their phones alone, watch for stopped school buses, and be prepared to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
“The first weeks of school bring more children and more traffic to the same streets,” said Sgt. Stephen Large, Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit. “We’ll be out around schools across Richmond, and we’re asking drivers to slow down, put their phones away, and watch for kids on foot and on wheels.”
Richmond RCMP also reminds parents and caregivers to check the rules before their children ride an e-scooter to school. Richmond takes part in the Province’s Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project, which sets the minimum riding age to 16. Riders must wear a helmet, stay off sidewalks, and follow the rules of the road.
“Parents, please have a safety talk with your children about using e-scooters and why we obey laws,” added Sgt. Large. “We don’t want a simple trip to school to end with a trip to the hospital instead.”
Richmond RCMP encourages parents and caregivers to familiarize themselves with their school’s drop-off and pick-up procedures and to follow them. Families are also encouraged to practice the walking or cycling route to school before the first day and to talk with their children about crossing at marked crosswalks and looking both ways.
Watch “Back to School”: a short safety video produced by Richmond RCMP:
Transcript
Video description: A video reminding drivers to be careful on the roads with children going back to school.
Transcription:
[A young kid wearing a Mountie uniform raises his hand in a stopping motion.]
“Stop! School will be back in session soon and we need your help to keep me and my friends safe.”
[A real RCMP Mountie stands beside the kid and speaks to camera.]
“It’s time to dial back the speed in school zones and near playgrounds.”
[ A “30km maximum" sign appears in the top corner.]
[The young kid looks at the officer.]
“That’s right, partner!’
[The young kid speaks to camera.]
“We kids are small and fast so leave your phone alone and stay alert when you’re driving.”
[A driver looks at their phone while in front of the wheel. The young kid in the Mountie uniform stands beside the driver's window and shakes his finger in disapproval. The driver sees him and puts their phone away. The young kid nods at this correction by the driver.]
[The officer speaks to camera.]
“keep an eye out for stopped buses. Children could be crossing nearby.”
[The school bell rings. The young officer turns and speaks to the officer.]
“The bell! I’m going to be late for class!”
[The kid turns away to walk to school. The officer sparks to camera.]
“Parents, remind your children to stop and look both ways before crossing at a designated crosswalk.”
[The young kid in the Mountie uniform stops at a crosswalk. He looks both ways before crossing.]
[The officer speaks to camera.]
“Let’s work together and keep children safe this school year.”
[RCMP/GRC copyright notice appears.]
[Government of Canada wordmark with a waving Canadian flag appears.]
Richmond RCMP is encouraging residents to share the video with family and friends on social media to help spread the word before students head back to class.
According to ICBC, an average of 50 children are injured while walking or cycling in B.C. in September, the highest of any month. Across B.C., an average of three children are killed and 402 are injured in crashes while walking or cycling each year.
“Back-to-school is an exciting time for children and a busy time on our roads,” said Harvey Kooner, local ICBC road safety coordinator. “Drivers can help children get a safe start to the school year by slowing down, avoiding distractions and watching for children, especially near schools, parks and residential areas. We encourage parents and caregivers to talk about road safety with their children and practice their route if they’ll be walking or cycling to school.”
Drivers caught speeding in a school or playground zone face fines. Drivers travelling 40 km/h or more over the limit also risk a roadside driving prohibition and vehicle impoundment under B.C.’s excessive-speeding rules.
ICBC Stats: School’s in but speeding shouldn't be: ICBC survey reveals drivers flunk on speeding near schools
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Contacts
Media Relations Officer
Richmond RCMP
richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
604-207-5189