Safety Tips
Safety tips for students walking to and from school
- 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.
- 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.
Download PDF in: 
Safety Reminders
- Students and parents should wait on the curb when waiting for the school bus, not off the curb or in the street.
- Do not stand in school crosswalks, obey crossing guards if present.
- Be focused and aware when walking in school parking lots. We encourage walkers to stay off their cell phones while walking. Dark mornings may make it difficult for drivers to see walkers.
- Bicyclists must abide by the same laws as drivers, which means they must stop for school buses when applicable.
- If possible, wear lighter clothing/coats or add something reflective on darker clothing. Stay safe!
