[July 2025] Conducted an on-site survey regarding the school route for Toda Municipal Sasame Elementary School following consultations from parents | Requesting challenges and improvements for traffic safety measures | Toda City, Saitama Prefecture
Last updated: July 17, 2025
“Because it is the school route our children walk every day, we want it to be safe.”
Hello.
Souko Miyauchi, a Toda City Council member and mother of two is my name.
Consultation from parents regarding the school route for Toda Municipal Sasame Elementary School
The other day, I received a consultation regarding the school route from a parent who lives in the Hayase area of Toda City and is raising a first-grade student attending Toda Municipal Sasame Elementary School.
In early July, I actually walked the site with the parent to check the safety conditions.
Also, this time, I shared the information with a member of the same parliamentary group, 'Toda no Kai',
Councilor Asao from Sasame 6-chome, Toda City (who also serves as a member of the school commute watch team)
and we are working together toward improvements.
Three issues identified during the on-site survey
1. The danger of 'lift cars' unique to industrial zones
There are many factories in the Hayase area, and
forklifts and lift cars frequently enter and exit.
From the parents, I received the earnest concern,
“It is scary because a lift car might suddenly appear in front of the children.”
Especially for first graders, they are short and there are times when they are difficult for drivers to see.
Moving forward, I will consider safety measures, including consulting with the police.
2. Overgrown plants are narrowing the school route
I will continue to work on these issues to ensure the safety of our children.
At the site, there were areas where the greenery along the sidewalk had grown significantly,
making it difficult for children to walk.
From parents,
I heard reports that a student tripped on vines and fell,
the sidewalk has become narrow,
visibility is poor,
and it has become easier for trash to be dumped there.
I also heard these concerns.
While greenery is meant to add beauty to the cityscape,
it is necessary to prioritize safety in areas where maintenance is difficult.
I conveyed the situation to the relevant city department,
and requested that they consider pruning and maintaining the greenery,
including removal if necessary.
*I have also addressed this issue in a general question in the past.
(3) Can the school route itself be reviewed?
From parents,
"Could the route be changed to a safer one?"
I also received this consultation.
Since school routes are designated and managed by the school,
I have also shared this information with the school.
I believe it is important for the community, schools, parents, and the administration to work together to establish a safe school commuting environment.
School routes are roads that protect the lives of our children.
Entering elementary school is a time when the risk of traffic accidents increases.
As a mother raising two children myself,
I was particularly worried when they started elementary school.
Until they are preschoolers in nursery school or kindergarten, they have adult supervision or drop-offs and pick-ups, but
once they enter elementary school, they begin a life of walking to school on their own.
Therefore,
intersections with poor visibility
the entry and exit of large vehicles
narrow sidewalks
the placement of traffic lights
and other factors each become a major source of anxiety for parents.
That is why it is important to convey the voices of parents to the administration early and make improvements before accidents occur.
Valuing a mother's perspective, I will work on safety measures for school routes.
This time as well, because parents consulted with me, I was able to visit the site and learn about new challenges.
The voices of citizens are the first step toward building a safe city.
Moving forward, while valuing my perspective as amother of twoI will continue to listen to the voices of citizens and work onschool route safety measures in Toda Cityandtraffic safety measures.
If you notice any dangerous spots on school routes or roads, please feel free to consult with me.
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