Stay active and safe while heading back to school

School is back for many families across the province, and Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors encourages parents and caregivers to talk with their kids and teens about active and safe ways to travel to school.

Help your child plan for active travel.

• Talk with your child or teen about ways they can walk or wheel to school, such as riding a bike, scooter or skateboard.

• For younger children, map out the route and practise it together.

• For older children and teens, help them think through the details, such as the route they’ll use and how much time it will take to get there. They may need your advice to avoid busy, high-speed roads.

Keep safety top of mind.

• Talk with your child or teen about gear, such as bright, reflective clothing, that will help them stay safe when they’re wheeling to school.

• Help them take the bike helmet YES test to make sure their helmet fits properly.

• Talk with your child or teen about staying alert when walking or wheeling to school. Remind them to put their phones and earbuds away so they can be aware of what’s going on around them.

• Role model safe active travel. For example, if you’re walking to school with your child, cross the road only at marked intersections or crossings. Explain traffic signs and lights. If you’re biking to school together, be sure to wear your helmet too.

Support safe active travel in your community.

• Help your child connect with other kids who walk or wheel to school – it can be motivating, social and fun for them to travel together.

• Listen to your teen’s ideas about how to make active travel more appealing. For example, help them advocate for more pathways or bike, scooter or skateboard storage racks in public places, or take part in community cleanups or outdoor art projects. For ideas on what they can do, visit Physical activity: Bike racks or shelters.