As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are making necessary arrangements for their children to have a successful academic year. Many parents are also faced with the decision of how their children will commute to school. Allowing kids to walk or cycle to school is a proactive approach to promote physical activity and environmental consciousness in young minds.
However, pedestrian and bicycle safety can easily get overlooked amidst shopping for school supplies and setting up routines. Helping to ensure school-going kids are well-prepared and knowledgeable about bike safety is essential to protecting them from accidents and fostering their independence, if this is a possible mode of transportation that works for any particular family. With increased traffic during the school year, teaching school-going kids how to navigate the roads safely on foot or on two wheels is important.
Wearing a helmet
The most critical safety measure for school-going kids who cycle to school is wearing a properly fitting helmet. Parents should invest in high-quality helmets to significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in the event their child falls or bumps into an object. A helmet that fits snugly should:
- Sit level on the head
- Cover the forehead
- Be positioned so that the straps for a “V” shape under the ears
Parents should encourage their school-going kids to wear helmets every time they ride and confirm that the helmet is positioned correctly on their child’s head.
Understanding road rules
Before allowing children to walk or cycle to school, parents should confirm that kids understand the road rules. Some of the most important rules to remember include:
- Stopping at stop signs
- Obeying traffic signals
- Riding on the right side of the road
Parents should also remind their kids to make eye contact with drivers at intersections to help ensure they are seen before crossing.
Being visible
Since kids have a smaller physical form than adult road users, making themselves visible is key to staying safe on the road. Therefore, parents should equip their kids’ bicycles with front and rear lights that can help boost visibility in low-light conditions. Kids who cycle or walk to school should also have reflective gear, such as vests or stickers, on their backpacks and bikes to help them stand out to drivers.
Taking the time to teach kids about bicycle and pedestrian safety can empower them to be independent during the upcoming school year. However, parents should acknowledge that instilling these safety habits may not completely shield their kids from accidents. In the unfortunate event of an accident, seeking appropriate legal guidance can help parents pursue justice for their kids.
