Safe Routes To School Programs

Walk! Bike! Fun! aims to ensure that every child understands basic traffic laws and safety rules. Walk! Bike! Fun! is a great safety education program, designed specifically to meet Minnesota education standards. It teaches students basic traffic safety, sign identification, and decision-making tools.

Pedestrian safety training is typically recommended for first and second graders and teaches basic lessons such as ‘look left, right, and left again.’ Bicycle safety training is generally most appropriate beginning in or after the third grade and helps children understand that they have the same responsibilities as motorists to obey traffic laws.

In-school curriculum for pedestrian and bicycle training often includes three parts: in-school lessons, mock street scenarios, and on-street practice. Various existing curricula are available online from a number of sources at no cost, or schools may choose to develop one on their own.

Target Audience
Elementary, middle school

Format
In-school lessons and hands on training for students

Outcomes
Improved walking/bicycling safety behavior, youth empowerment
Increased walking and bicycling, improved walking/bicycling safety behavior
Understanding of health and environmental connections

Discussion Questions
Are biking and walking safety/instruction currently covered in the school curriculum?
Are there existing programs or meetings in the school or the community which might be suitable to host this type
of program?
What resources have you used to talk with kids about walking and biking safety?