“Safe Streets COS” launches with new school zone safety improvements at Mann Middle School

The City of Colorado Springs today officially launched "Safe Streets COS," a citywide initiative focused on reducing traffic crashes and improving safety for everyone who uses Colorado Springs roadways. City leaders gathered at Mann Middle School on Wednesday to highlight new school zone safety improvements and reinforce the importance of slowing down and driving safely near schools.

Safe Streets COS combines engineering, enforcement, education, and community partnerships to address dangerous driving behaviors and improve safety along high-risk corridors and around schools throughout the city.

"Road safety is public safety," said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. "Safe Streets COS is a bold commitment to protecting lives and strengthening road safety through smarter data, safer infrastructure, stronger enforcement, and a culture of shared responsibility as our city continues to grow."

The event highlighted improvements near Mann Middle School designed to increase driver awareness and encourage slower speeds in the school zone. Speakers emphasized the importance of protecting students, pedestrians, cyclists, and families through a combination of roadway improvements, targeted enforcement, and public awareness.

"School zones are some of the most important places for us to focus our safety efforts," said Todd Frisbie, City Traffic Engineer. "Even small reductions in speed can make a significant difference in reducing the severity of crashes involving pedestrians."

The Colorado Springs Police Department is partnering with the City through education and enforcement efforts aimed at improving driver behavior near schools and in areas with elevated crash risks.

"Traffic safety isn't something we can solve with enforcement alone; it takes all of us choosing not to be selfish behind the wheel," said Lt. Jason Newton of the Colorado Springs Police Department. "Every day we hear from community members worried about speeding, dangerous intersections, and the safety of their kids walking or biking to school. What truly makes the difference is when drivers slow down, pay attention, and remember that the people around them are part of their own community."

Colorado Springs School District 11 representatives joined the event to highlight the importance of safe travel routes for students and families.

Residents can explore the City's interactive Traffic Safety Dashboard to view crash trends, safety data, and ongoing traffic safety efforts across Colorado Springs at
ColoradoSprings.gov/SafeStreetsCOS.

Safe Streets COS builds on the City's finalized Transportation Safety Action Plan, which established a goal of reducing serious injury and fatal crashes by 35% by 2035. The initiative includes roadway and intersection safety improvements, school zone enhancements, trail crossing projects, safety demonstration projects, and partnerships with the Colorado Springs Police Department on speed safety cameras and red-light safety programs designed to reduce dangerous driving behaviors and save lives.

Residents can learn more about Safe Streets COS and ongoing traffic safety efforts at ColoradoSprings.gov/SafeStreetsCOS.