Slow down, Lethbridge: Safe Kids Week is here

Kids move fast and unpredictably. That’s why during Safe Kids Week, we are reminding drivers across Lethbridge to slow down, stay alert and be ready. 

From June 1-7, the City of Lethbridge, Lethbridge Police Service and the Alberta Motor Association are coming together to advise residents that keeping kids safe on our streets is a shared responsibility.  

Safe Kids Week is an annual campaign, led by Parachute Canada, to raise awareness about preventable injuries in children.  

“When we are talking about safe speeds, we are really talking about giving people time. Time to see a child, time to react and time to stop,” says Muhammad Qasim, City of Lethbridge Traffic Safety Engineer. “Slowing down is one of the simplest ways drivers can help make sure kids get where they are going safely.”  

The numbers tell a clear story. Statistics from a 2025 transportation study in Lethbridge show: 

• A total of 14 kids, ages four to 17 years, were injured in reported pedestrian or cyclist collisions 
• 14,779 speeding offences were recorded in 30 km/h speed zones 
• 2,400 offences involved speeds of 50 km/h or higher in 30 km/h speed zones 
• 5,026 speeding offences occurred between 3 and 6 p.m.  

Afternoon hours are also when Lethbridge streets see the most activity from youth. Kids are heading home from school, walking to parks, biking with friends or travelling to activities. It’s a busy time where one small decision by a driver can have a big impact.  

Across the city, electronic message boards will display reminders for drivers to slow down and watch for children, while Lethbridge Police Service will be present in areas where children live, learn and play. 

“Drivers can expect to see officers conducting enforcement in playground zones across Lethbridge,” says Tony Ramotowski, Sergeant of the Lethbridge Police Service Traffic Response Unit. “Our focus is on reducing speeds and increasing compliance in areas where it matters most for child safety.” 

Safe Kids Week also builds on ongoing work to improve safety around schools. In 2026, the City completed School Transportation Plans for 21 elementary schools, helping identify transportation concerns and support safer travel for children walking, biking, scootering or taking the bus. 

“Kids should be able to get to school, the park or activities safely and confidently,” says Carrie Herrick-Fitzgerald, AMA’s childhood safety program manager. “Safe Kids Week is an important reminder to drivers to look out for our most vulnerable road users. Awareness, slower speeds and community support all help make neighbourhoods safer for children.” 

Residents can also participate in Safe Kids Week by sharing locations where they have concerns about the safety of children walking, biking or scootering. Whether it is a tricky pedestrian crossing, poor visibility or congestion near school, concerns can be reported on the Safe Kids Week website.  

For Public Inquiries: 
Call or chat with 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.