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We celebrate Walk and Ride to School each October! Whenever the weather permits, we encourage all students and families to walk or bike to school. It's a great way to start the day, get some fresh air and exercise, and help our environment. Let's make every trip to school a safe, healthy and happy one!
Guidelines for Walking to School
Before You Leave
Before You Leave
Plan Your Route: Walk the route with your child beforehand and choose the most direct path with the fewest street crossings. Stick to this route every day.
Walk with a Buddy: Encourage your child to walk with a sibling, friend, or a trusted adult. There is safety in numbers.
Know Your Info: Make sure your child knows their home phone number, address, and how to contact you or another trusted adult in case of an emergency.
On Your Walk
On Your Walk
Look Both Ways: Always stop at the curb and look left, then right, then left again before crossing the street.
Use Crosswalks: Cross streets only at designated crosswalks or intersections. Never cross in the middle of the block.
Obey Signals: Follow all traffic signals and crossing guard instructions. Wait for the walk signal before entering the crosswalk.
Stay Alert: Put away phones and other devices. Stay focused on your surroundings. Remove headphones so you can hear traffic and other noises.
Walk on Sidewalks: Use the sidewalk whenever possible. If there isn't one, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
Be Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially on dark or cloudy days.
Don't Talk to Strangers: Teach your child to never talk to strangers or accept rides from people they don't know. If approached, they should run toward a safe place or a group of people.
Guidelines for Biking to School
Guidelines for Biking to School
Before hitting the road, it's important for students and families to follow these safety guidelines for a safe and enjoyable ride.
Bike Safety Checklist
Bike Safety Checklist
Helmets are a Must: All riders should wear a properly fitted helmet every time they ride. A helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injury.
Check the Brakes: Squeeze the brake levers to make sure the bike stops quickly and smoothly.
Inflate the Tires: Check that tires are properly inflated and free of damage.
Adjust the Seat: The bike seat should be at the right height so your child can comfortably reach the pedals and touch the ground.
On the Ride
On the Ride
Follow Traffic Laws: Bikes are vehicles, so students must obey all traffic signals, stop signs, and lane markings.
Ride on the Right: Ride with the flow of traffic, as close to the right side of the road as safely possible.
Use Hand Signals: Teach your child to use hand signals for turning and stopping to communicate with drivers and other riders.
Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like headphones or phones. Pay attention to your surroundings, including parked cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists.
Be Visible: Wear bright clothing and use reflective gear, especially on cloudy days or when visibility is low. For early morning or late afternoon rides, a front white light and a rear red reflector or light are essential.
Cross Safely: Dismount and walk bikes across busy intersections or at crosswalks to ensure a safe crossing.
Planning the Route
Planning the Route
Plan the Safest Path: Choose a route with less traffic, fewer busy intersections, and bike lanes if available. Practice the route with your child before their first solo ride.
Ride with a Buddy: Encourage your child to ride with a sibling, friend, or a trusted adult.
On School Grounds
On School Grounds
Walk and Lock your Bike: Once you arrive to school, walk the bike to the rack and lock it up. You can bring the helmet with you to class.Â
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