Danville launches Safe Routes to School study after park e‑bike ban

Transportation Manager Soren Fajot told the Bicycle Advisory Commission on Sept. 28 that staff has launched a Safe Routes to School network study for Danville’s three middle schools to support town council deliberations on recent and potential e‑bike restrictions.

"We did receive a total of 319 responses," Fajot said, summarizing the parent and student survey deployed with the school district. He told commissioners the study will combine site‑specific condition assessments, family input, route mapping and traffic counts with support from a local traffic engineering firm.

Fajot said the project was prompted by two recent developments: a July 7, 2026 town ordinance banning e‑bike and e‑scooter riding in parks (effective Aug. 6, 2026), and a council request to study whether sidewalk prohibitions for powered devices should be expanded beyond downtown. "Without it, a townwide restriction could unintentionally push young riders into less safe environments," he said, arguing the network will identify where exemptions for students may be appropriate.

Staff described planned deliverables: a parent/student survey summary, site‑specific condition reports for each middle school, candidate route maps and a proposed network with recommended infrastructure and policy considerations. Fajot said staff expects to present full mapping and analysis to the commission at the Nov. 23 meeting and then forward recommendations to the town council as it considers any sidewalk regulation changes.

Commissioners pressed staff on priorities and alternatives, asking that the commission focus on identifying sidewalks that would be affected and proposing exemptions or alternative routes where sidewalks are the safest option for students. Staff said existing bike lanes, off‑street paths and route‑level analyses will inform recommendations.