Safe Cycling to and from School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

With the school year in full swing, we’re seeing more and more students riding their bikes to school, which is great! It’s an excellent way to get exercise and be more independent. We want to share a few important reminders about bicycle safety to ensure that all our students have a safe and enjoyable journey.

Essential Bike Safety Tips

Here are the key things your child should know and do to stay safe on the road:

  • Wear a Helmet: A properly fitted helmet is the most critical safety gear. It can significantly reduce the risk of a serious head injury by up to 85%. Helmets should sit level on the head and be able to strap snugly under the chin. Please ensure your child wears their helmet on every ride, no matter how short.

  • Obey Traffic Laws: Bicyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as drivers. This means students must stop at all stop signs and red lights, ride on the right side of the road with traffic, and use hand signals for turns and stops.

  • Be Visible: With the days getting shorter, visibility is crucial. Encourage your child to wear bright clothing, preferably with reflective gear. Use lights and reflectors (white on front/red on back) on the bike, especially during early morning or late afternoon rides.

  • Check the Bike: A quick check of bike maintenance before each ride can prevent accidents. Ensure the brakes are working, the tires are properly inflated, and the chain is in good condition.

  • Ride Safely: Remind your child to stay alert and avoid distractions like using headphones or a phone while riding. They should ride single file with friends and be predictable in their movements.

Our Role as a School

We are committed to providing a safe environment for all our students. We encourage all parents to review the best routes to school with their children and practice the ride together. By working together, we can teach our students responsible habits that will keep them safe for a lifetime.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a safe community for everyone. If you have any questions or want to know more about local bike safety resources, please get in touch with us.

Safe travels,

RESOURCES:

Bike Maintenance

Biking Basics

Hand Signals for Bikers

Bike safety Video English

Bike Safety Spanish