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kids on bikes

With back-to-school season just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about fun, active and safe transportation. How will your students be getting to and from school this year?

For those living within walking distance to their school, consider looking for ways to use active transportation to and from school this year. By choosing to walk or roll to school, you’re making sure your student is staying active, and creating connections with classmates.

Thanks to our friends at Niagara Region Public Health, here are some tips that will keep your student safe during their walk or ride to school this year.

  • Before beginning your active travel to school, check the weather and make sure you’re dressed appropriately. When biking, it is important to be wearing closed toe shoes and a certified bike helmet.
  • Stay alert, pay attention, and listen for traffic.
  • When walking in groups, walk where motorists can expect to see you, like on a sidewalk or pathway.

For those choosing to ride their bike to school this year, here are some more tips.

  • Before riding your bike, make sure all parts are working properly. Tires are filled, chain is on track, bell works, working rear brakes, etc.
  • Ensuring that you have a certified bike helmet that can be worn.
  • Wearing close toe shoes while riding a bike.
  • Signalling with a hand when making a change in direction to allow for motorists to see you’re moving.

By participating in active school travel, you are not only helping create a healthier environment by having less cars on the road, but you’re creating a healthier lifestyle for yourself! Whether you’re walking, wheeling, skipping, scooting, running, or rolling to school, it is important to know what safety measures can be followed to enjoy your active travel to and from school each day.

For more information about Ontario Active School Travel, visit their website here.