A Los Altos High School student was hit by a car on North Gordon Way on Aug. 25, raising concerns about bike safety on routes surrounding campus. 

Sophomore Pranav Chinta, who witnessed the aftermath of the crash, attributes bike safety issues to split-second hesitation by both cars and bikers. 

“At intersections with no crossing guard, some drivers let bikers go first while others do not, creating confusion,” Pranav said. 

Junior Annie Liu, another witness to the crash, said she was hit on the same road years ago. She  calls for a designated crosswalk so that bikers aren’t forced to signal by hand in traffic. 

“If we had a crosswalk on intersections leading up to Almond, it would be easier for bikers, pedestrians and cars to understand who goes when,” Annie said. 

The crash comes amidst several other incidents that have occurred since school resumed on Aug. 11. Intersections on Jardin Drive and Almond Avenue are areas of concern, as frequent congestion narrows down available space for pedestrians and bikers. 

Assistant Principal Derek Miyahara said the issue stems from the sheer volume of vehicles and students arriving at school between 8 and 8:30 a.m. 

“There are a lot of people, a lot of cars and a lot of traffic, but there is not a lot of space,” Miyahara said.

Principal Tracey Runeare echoed similar concerns, saying that crowded neighborhoods make it difficult for drivers and bikers to track everything happening around them.

In an attempt to combat this issue, the school included bicycle safety information at freshman orientation and Week of Welcome. Additionally, Runeare said the administration is working with the City of Los Altos on potential signage and other measures to protect students near campus. 

In addition to these measures, Runeare urges both car and bike riders to adopt a defensive mindset by remaining cautious at all times.

“Pay close attention to your surroundings, wear a helmet, don’t wear earbuds and stay very alert about the vehicles around you,” Runeare said.