When you follow some safety guidelines and have an established walking route to school, walking can be a great way to get to school, and get some exercise and fresh air, too!

Here are some important tips to keep in mind when walking to school:

Walk Together

Whether you walk with a parent or caregiver, an older sibling, a friend, or as part of a group of walkers, there is safety in numbers! Walking with a group also makes the walk even more fun. Younger children should always walk with an adult. When your parents decide you can walk by yourself, make sure to

Walk with a friend or sibling.
Choose a safe walking route with your parents and then walk the same route every day.
Don’t push, shove, or chase people near the street.
Never take rides from people not arranged by your parent or caregiver.
Talk to your parent, caregiver, or teacher if you have a bad experience like bullying.

Be Seen.

You should use a flashlight when it is dark, foggy, or hard to see. It helps you to see where you are going, but it also helps drivers see you! It is also important to wear bright clothes and use reflective gear.

Look for Traffic.

Watch out for cars at every driveway and intersection. You should look for drivers in parked cars to make sure they aren’t getting ready to move. Don’t dart out in front of parked cars!

Cross the Street Safely.

According to the National Center for Safe Routes to School, you can safely cross the street by:

Stopping at the curb or edge of the street.
Looking left, right, left and behind you and in front of you for traffic.
Waiting until no traffic is coming and begin crossing.
Looking for traffic until you have finished crossing.
Walking, not running, across the street.

Obey Traffic Signs, Signals and Rules.

You should walk on sidewalks and paths when they are available. If there is not a sidewalk, you should walk facing traffic. Be sure to stop at all stop signs and obey traffic signals.

The National Center for Safe Routes to School has information on Helping Children Learn Pedestrian Safety Skills: Overview for parents and caregivers. This includes information for parents of children ages 4-6, 7-9, and 10 and older. Parents should also remember to be a Walking Role Model – wear bright clothes, obey traffic rules, and make sure you practice safe crossing habits. Your children learn a lot from your example. Basics for Pedestrian Safety Brochure

Safe Walk Zone Maps

Safe Routes to School

Be Smart, Be Seen