• Avoid shortcuts; the shortest walking route is not necessarily the safest route.
• Walk in groups. When possible, walk with older students in the neighborhood.
• Always, always, always (!) use sidewalks and walkways. Keep as far away from the roadway (traffic) as possible.
• Cross only at intersections or marked crosswalks (if there is a crosswalk button, press the button and wait for the walk sign to indicate that it is safe to cross).
• Stop at the curb or edge of the road, look left, then right, and then left again (left-right-left) before you step into the street. If a car is parked where you are crossing, make sure there is no driver in the car. Then go to the edge of the car and look left-right-left until no cars are coming. Keep looking for cars while you are crossing.
• Obey traffic signals and crossing guards' instructions.
• Walk, don't run. This gives time for drivers to see you before you enter the roadway.
• Pay attention. Be alert to the people and activity around you. Headphones prevent your ability to hear what is happening near you.
• Neighbors along your route will also very likely be interested in student safety; they will appreciate your being respectful of their property and privacy.
• So that your family knows where you are, be sure to tell them if you are staying late at school or if you are stopping by a friend's house on the way home.

Bike riding safety tips

• Wear a helmet and never ride with headphones.
• Obey traffic signals and crossing guards' instructions.
• Walk your bike across intersections or marked crosswalks (if there is a crosswalk button, press the button and wait for the walk sign to indicate that it is safe to cross).
• Ride with the flow of traffic and stay to the right.
• Keep both hands ready to brake. You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain.
• Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you.
• Look out for road hazards. Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, gravel, ice, sand or debris.
• Wear bright reflective clothing.

Other resources

• Some neighborhoods are adopting the procedures outlined by Walking School Bus.

• Safety tips for walking/biking to and from school.

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