Is Your Child Riding a Bike to School? Don’t Skip These Safety Tips
The backpacks are packed, new shoes are waiting by the door, and across the Mon-Dak region, families are getting ready for another school year.
For some kids in Williston, and our region, getting to school means climbing onto a school bus or hopping into the family car. For others, it means grabbing their bike and heading down the road with friends.
If your child rides a bike to school, now is a good time for a quick safety refresher. It's never too late to practice the route and make sure everyone knows the rules of the road.
Practice the Route Before School Starts
One of the best things parents can do is ride the bike route to school with their child before the first day. It gives you a chance to point out busy intersections, crossings, driveways, and other areas where they need to be especially careful.
Talk through what they should do when they reach each intersection and remind them that getting to school safely is more important than getting there quickly.
When riding on the road, children should ride on the right side, in the same direction as traffic, and ride in a single file.
Read More: School Bus Safety Rules Drivers In Williston Often Forget
Stop, Look and Stay Alert
Crossing the street is another important moment for young riders.
Children should come to a complete stop before crossing a street and walk their bikes across rather than riding through the intersection.
It's also important to stay focused. Phones, headphones, conversations with friends, and other distractions can take attention away from traffic and what is happening around them.
A few seconds of paying attention can make a big difference.
And then there's the one piece of safety equipment that should never be left at home: the helmet.
Make sure your child wears a properly fitted bicycle helmet every time they ride. Bright or reflective clothing can also help make young riders easier for drivers to see, especially during early morning rides or when the weather isn't ideal.
Back-to-school season brings plenty of excitement. New teachers, new classes, new friends, and a fresh year of memories are just around the corner.
For kids riding bikes to school, taking a few minutes now to practice the route and review the rules can help make that trip safer all year long.
After all, the most important part of the school day may be making sure everyone gets there safely.
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