Getting to school safely, part one: Walking and biking

As leisurely summer days give way to the structure and routine of the school year, mornings can be a hectic time for families. Transportation safety is not necessarily top of mind as children and parents gulp down breakfast, prep lunches, pack backpacks and dash out the door to make it to their destinations on time.

That’s why it’s a good idea to review travel safety before that first frenzied day. In the first of this two-part series, we’ll share safety tips for walking and biking.

“Every community is unique,” says Erin Summa, health promotion coordinator for Mary Bridge Children’s Center for Childhood Safety. “Some have sidewalks, bike lanes and trained crossing guards while others don’t. Investigating what resources are available in your neighborhood and school can help your family make safe transportation choices.”

Walking to school

Walking to school is good for the brain and body, boosting mood, improving sleep quality and supporting concentration throughout the day, among many other benefits. It also provides an opportunity to meet other families in your neighborhood. If you live close enough for your child to walk to school, the key to safety is awareness.

“It’s important for kids to be mindful of their surroundings at all times when walking, which means putting away phones and earbuds,” says Summa.

Most children aren’t developmentally ready to walk to school without an adult until age 10. Whether your child is walking alone or with you, follow these guidelines:

• Pair up. Walk with a friend or in a group, if possible.
• Be seen. Wear brightly colored clothing or accessories so it’s easy for drivers to spot you.
• Follow the rules. Respect traffic signals, use crosswalks and obey crossing guards.
• Cross safely. Look left, right and then left again before crossing. Always walk — never run or dart — across streets or parking lots.
• Know what to do if a stranger offers a ride. Say no, get away as quickly and safely as possible and alert a trusted adult.

Biking to school

Biking to school can improve physical fitness, help develop your child’s independence and provide an outlet for releasing pent-up energy. How do you know if your child is ready to pedal to school?

“Practice the route with them beforehand to ensure it’s safe for their level of skill and maturity,” says Summa. “If biking seems like a good option, a properly fitted bike helmet is a must for every ride.”

Prior to hitting the road, inspect the bike: ensure its adjusted for your child’s height and all equipment, including breaks and tires, is in working order. Similar to children who walk to school, kids who bike should wear brightly colored or reflective clothing so it’s easy for motorists to see them.

Once on the move, your bicyclist should adhere to the rules of the road:

• Enter the street safely. Stop and look both ways first. Look for cars exiting driveways and parking lots.
• Go with the flow. Ride on the right, going in the same direction as other vehicles. Use bike lanes when possible.
• Obey the law. Follow all street signs, traffic signals and lane designations.
• Use caution when turning. Look and use hand signals before making turns.
• Beware of intersections. Stop and walk your bike through all intersections.
• Stay alert. Watch for parked cars (passengers can unexpectedly fling open doors) and road hazards such as potholes that could cause an accident.