With classes back in session across Colorado Springs, parents may notice something different at local school this year when dropping off the kids. 

During a press briefing last month, Mayor Yemi Mobolade announced that five new school zones have already been implemented at middle schools and high schools throughout Colorado Springs this year with five more planned to be implemented by the end of 2024.

School zones in Colorado Springs reduce the speed limit to 20 miles per hour.

KOAA reported that that middle schools and high schools across D-11, D-2, D-20, D-49 will soon have additional zones installed, with one for Mitchell High School planned to be finished this fall. 

Colorado Springs historically has not had school zones at high schools or middle schools. That changed after a Doherty High School student was struck and killed by a vehicle near the school in 2023. 

A school safety zone was implemented shortly after the fatal crash and the city began the process of adding safety zones to more of its middle and high schools. 

For the city’s 2024 general budget, capital funding was set aside specifically to add school zones near middle and high schools and increased by approximately $250,000, with the goal of increasing pedestrian safety at all schools over the next several years. The increased cost will be offset by increased fee revenue.

Aug. 12 marks the first day of school for D-2, D-3 and D-11. And D-20 students go back to school on Aug. 13.