Safe Routes Utah is here to help teach the importance of pedestrian safety to you and your children. As we head into Spring, many of you may be encouraging your children to start spending more time in the sunshine by walking or biking to school. So what can you do to help ensure their safety as they do so? One great option is a walking school bus!
Do we, as parents, recognize the potential risks, or even the unsafe example and expectations we may unintentionally set for our children?
You’ve likely heard of our Walk & Roll Challenge. Word gets around when kids can win a free helmet and scooter, but did you know there is so much more to Safe Routes Utah?
Safe Routes Utah is a state program that encourages kids to walk and bike to and from school safely, the keyword being “safely.” We find multiple ways to teach and encourage safety among students using active transportation. One way we do that is by teaching it.
Pull out your best green gear and help us bring awareness to school zone safety this month for Green Ribbon Month. Green Ribbon Month was created in Utah to shine a light on school zone safety. Now that school is officially back in session, there are more pedestrians, particularly kids, walking and biking to and from school. It’s a reminder to drivers to watch for kids on their way to school and also a reminder to pedestrians to walk and bike responsibly.
When using a crosswalk or approaching one in your vehicle, it’s important to know the differences. There are several different types of crosswalks, but in the US, most crosswalks are either a zebra crosswalk or a parallel crosswalk. Each type signals to pedestrians and drivers a different process for use.
We know there are many reasons it seems challenging to use active transportation to get your kids to school, but every child deserves a safe school environment. Contribute to your child’s safety by walking instead of driving to school. It will give you quality time together and improve their health.