Celebrating Our Crossing Guards: Decatur Honors the People Who Keep Us Moving Safely

November 17, 2025 by Leave a comment

Last week, the City of Decatur celebrated Crossing Guard Appreciation Week, and on Friday, November 14, we held our annual Crossing Guard Appreciation Breakfast to recognize the incredible individuals who keep our streets safe every day.

Decatur is proud to have 50 crossing guards, which is more than the number of police officers in our city. Their presence reflects our strong commitment to walking, rolling, and community safety. These dedicated individuals do so much more than help students cross the street. They help create the safe, welcoming routes that make Decatur a Gold level Walk Friendly Community and a Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community.

More Than a Job: A Daily Source of Safety, Smiles, and Support

Crossing guards are often the first friendly faces students see in the morning and a reassuring presence as they head home. They are trusted adults, smiling neighbors, and watchful protectors who help children feel confident walking or biking to school.

Their work also supports festivals, parades, and community events where they help keep people moving safely in every corner of our city. Their service is essential to Decatur’s culture of active transportation.

A Community Celebration

This year’s breakfast was made extra special thanks to the talented students in the Decatur High School Culinary Arts Program, who prepared and catered the meal. Their involvement reflects the same spirit of community connection and collaboration that defines our Safe Routes to School program.

We were honored to celebrate two special recognitions:

  • Joyce Washington, who marked 20 years of service as a Decatur crossing guard. Her dedication, warmth, and steady presence have touched generations of students and families.
  • Larry McCrary, who was named Crossing Guard of the Year. We received 78 votes from the community, and Larry’s selection reflects the positive impact he has on students, families, and school staff every day.

Thank You, Crossing Guards

To all 50 of our crossing guards: thank you for everything you do to keep Decatur moving safely. Your work helps our children walk and bike with confidence, and your presence strengthens our community.

We appreciate you not only during Appreciation Week, but throughout the entire year.

Filed under Decatur Parks & Recreation, Safe Routes to School, Walk Decatur, Walking School Bus Tagged with , , ,

Bikeability and Walkability in Decatur: A City Built for Moving

February 11, 2025 by Leave a comment

This Valentine’s season, we’re sharing the love—Decatur loves you, and we love being active! Whether you’re walking hand-in-hand through our charming streets or biking to your favorite local café, Decatur is designed to make every trip safe, scenic, and enjoyable.

With over 60 miles of tree-lined and art-filled sidewalks in just 4.7 square miles, Decatur has earned an A+ walkability score and is officially designated a “Walker’s Paradise” by WalkScore. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, choosing to walk or bike is a great way to show love for your health, your community, and the environment.

Walk There! Decatur: It’s Closer Than You Think

Decatur’s “Walk There! Decatur” campaign encourages people to choose walking over driving whenever possible. Look for Walk There! Decatur signs along sidewalks and streets, showing estimated walking times to nearby points of interest. Each sign includes a QR code so pedestrians can get real-time walking directions on their smartphones. For those without a phone, a map is provided on the back of each sign.

Why Walk?

  • It promotes physical fitness – Show your heart some love with a little extra movement.
  • It’s a greener option – Walking helps keep Decatur beautiful and sustainable.
  • It supports local businesses – Walk to your favorite date night spot or coffee shop.
  • It enhances tourism – Visitors can easily experience all the charm Decatur has to offer.

Pedal Power: Decatur as a Bike-Friendly Community

For those who love biking, Decatur has invested in infrastructure to make cycling safe and accessible. The city features:

  • Bike lanes, sharrows, and bike boxes to improve safety on the roads.
  • Plenty of bike racks in business districts for easy parking.
  • Bike repair stations strategically placed throughout the city for quick fixes.

Thanks to these efforts, Decatur has been recognized as a Silver-Level Bicycle-Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.

Safety Tips for Walking and Biking in Decatur

For Pedestrians:
✔ Use crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals.
✔ Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at busy intersections.
✔ Walk on sidewalks whenever possible—if none are available, walk facing traffic.
✔ Be visible at night by wearing light-colored or reflective clothing.

For Cyclists:
✔ Always wear a helmet and use lights when riding at night.
✔ Follow traffic laws—bikes are considered vehicles and must obey stop signs and signals.
✔ Ride in bike lanes when available or stay as far right as practical when sharing the road.
✔ Use hand signals to communicate with drivers and pedestrians.

For Drivers:
✔ Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing.
✔ Watch for bikes when turning, especially at intersections.
✔ Be mindful of designated bike lanes and sharrows.
✔ Avoid distractions—stay off your phone while driving.

Decatur Loves to Move!

This Valentine’s Day, show some love for your health, your city, and your community by choosing to walk or bike. Whether you’re out for a stroll with someone special, riding to meet friends, or simply enjoying the fresh air, Decatur loves being active—and we hope you do too!

For more information about biking and walking initiatives in Decatur, visit our website.

Filed under Bike Decatur, City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Exercise, Walk Decatur Tagged with , , , , , ,