Knowledge
School route glossary
What is a school street, what is a walking bus, and who actually does the traffic inspection? Here we explain the main terms around the safe way to school in plain words, with the German term in brackets.
Accident commission (Unfallkommission)
The traffic authority, the police and the road authority look together at spots where accidents pile up and propose measures. Dangerous spots on the way to school where nothing has happened yet are often unknown to it: a parents' survey helps here.
For municipalities and traffic authoritiesAccident insurance on the way to school (Unfallversicherung)
Pupils are covered by statutory accident insurance on the direct way to school and back, free of charge, through the federal state's accident fund (Unfallkasse). Detours to share a car are covered too. The school reports an accident.
Clear view at junctions (Sichtfeld)
Children are small: behind parked cars they cannot see the traffic, and drivers cannot see them. That is why parking is forbidden within five metres of junctions. Corners blocked by parked cars are one of the most common dangers on the way to school.
Practising the way to schoolCrossing aid (Querungshilfe)
A traffic island where children cross the road in two stages and only need to watch one direction at a time. Build-outs that narrow the road also make crossing easier.
Crossing guards (Schülerlotsen, Schulweghelfer)
Older pupils (Schülerlotsen) or adults, often parents (Schulweghelfer), help children across the road at difficult spots. They are usually trained by the road safety association (Verkehrswacht) and the police.
Cycle street (Fahrradstraße)
A street where bicycles have priority. Other vehicles may only enter where an extra sign allows it, and everyone drives at 30 km/h at most. Cyclists may ride side by side. Cycle streets make good links in cycling route plans.
Creating a school route planCycling route plan (Radschulwegplan)
Like the walking route plan, but for the way by bike, usually for secondary schools. It shows recommended cycle routes and difficult spots.
Creating a school route planDrop-off zone (Hol- und Bringzone)
A place a little away from the school where parents let their child out of the car, sometimes called a parents' stop (Elternhaltestelle). Children walk the last bit, and it stays calmer in front of the school. In Zebrio the school enters its drop-off zones, and parents choose one as the start of the walk.
Understanding the school run by carPlaces that feel unsafe (Angstraum)
A place where children or parents feel unsafe, even without traffic: a dark underpass, a lonely path or a confusing square. In Zebrio, parents can report such places as a category of their own.
Road safety association (Verkehrswacht)
A voluntary association working for road safety, with groups in many districts. It trains crossing guards, for example, runs campaigns when school starts and advises schools.
School street (Schulstraße)
A street in front of the school that is closed to cars when lessons start and end, so that children can arrive calmly. School streets are being tried out in some German cities.
Speed limit near schools (Tempo 30)
Near schools, the traffic authority can order a 30 km/h limit (about 20 mph) more easily than elsewhere, even on main roads. Whether and on which stretch is decided case by case.
For municipalities and traffic authoritiesTraffic inspection (Verkehrsschau)
The traffic authority, the police and the road authority look at roads on site and check whether signs, markings or changes to the road are needed. The results of a parents' survey show which spots belong on the list.
For municipalities and traffic authoritiesTraffic-calmed area (verkehrsberuhigter Bereich)
A street with a blue and white sign where cars must drive at walking pace and children may walk and play everywhere. Parking is only allowed in marked spaces. People often call it a “play street” (Spielstraße).
Walking bus (Laufbus)
A group of children walks to school together, at first with adults, with fixed “stops” and times like a bus. Later the children walk together without an adult.
Practising the way to schoolWalking route plan (Gehschulwegplan)
A map for the way to school on foot: it shows recommended routes, safe crossings and places where children need to take extra care. It is usually made by the municipality with the school, the police and the traffic authority.
Creating a school route plan- Creating a school route planHow a parents' survey provides the basis for the walking and cycling route plan.
- Understanding the school run by carWhy parents drive their child and what helps.
- Practising the way to schoolChoose the safest route and practise it with your child step by step.
- For municipalities and traffic authoritiesReport, maps and GIS data for site inspections and planning.
Zebrio at your school too?
Schools, parents' councils and municipalities that would like to run a school route survey can simply send us an email. We answer your questions and set up the survey for the school.