Family Living

Commute to school safely

Bussing

For children using the bus, going to and from the bus stop as well as boarding the bus can be difficult. If your child is riding the bus teach them the acronym SAFE: • Stay five steps away from the curb • Always wait until the bus is completely stopped to approach • Face forward in your seat on the bus • Exit the bus after it is stopped and look left-right-left for cars before crossing the street.

When possible, walk your child to the bus stop and meet them there at the end of the day.

Biking

Make sure children that are biking have and wear a helmet that fits correctly before sending them on their way. Additionally, make sure to teach them about obeying traffic laws, correct signaling, and using bike lanes. It is very helpful to do a few practice rides with your child before school starts so that they know the route well. If you need a helmet and cannot afford one, please go to sklarimer.org/ bicyclesafety/ and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

Walking

Most likely your child will be a pedestrian at some point in the day. Whether at the bus stop, in the carpool line, at lunch, or even just to and from the car, sidewalk safety will be necessary.

When walking, children should use the sidewalk whenever possible. If there is not a sidewalk available, they should walk on the edge of the street facing traffic. Teach children to identify and use crosswalks to cross the street. Again, children should look left-right-left for vehicles and bikes before crossing. It is crucial that children know not to play around the street and to always pay attention. It is good to make a rule of no electronic devices when commuting to and from school.

Driving

If you are driving your children keep in mind to always be on the lookout for pedestrians. As more families are commuting at different times foot traffic is likely to be high in neighborhoods and near schools. Everyone should buckle up, every trip; even in carpools, so have a conversation with your neighbors and friends.

Keep it safe

For information regarding safety, look at the following resources:

• Poudre Valley School District:

www.psdschool.org/programsservices/transportation

• Thompson School District:

www.thompsonschools.org/

• Colorado Department of

Transportation: www.cdot.gov/ programs/bikeped/safe-routes

• SafeKids Larimer County:

www.sklarimer.org