Walking or Biking

• Chart out a route to school or to the school bus stop. If your child is going to a new school, take a dry run a few days before school starts.
• Go over the rules of stranger awareness and traffic safety. Warn your child to always walk with a friend and to avoid vacant lots and places where there are few people.
• Be sure your child has your daytime phone number (including area code) and address, as well as the number of another familiar adult.
• Scout out "safe houses" in the neighborhood where your child can go in case of an emergency.
• Make sure your child wears a helmet if she's riding her bike.

• Remember to get the new bus schedule!
• If your child will be taking the bus for the first time, discuss the bus route and bus safety rules with her.
• Teach your child to walk 10 feet — or 10 giant steps — away from the bus after he is dropped off and never to walk behind it.

• If you will be driving your child, have a backup arrangement with another parent in case you are delayed for some reason.
• Confirm carpool arrangements in advance and make sure your child knows who will be picking him up before and after school.
• Become familiar with your school's traffic safety rules, drop-off and pick-up procedures.

Updated July 2006