Safe Routes to School

The school principal can be your biggest ally and "event champion". Make sure the school principal supports the event and shares that support with the school district. Support and assistance from school police (if applicable) is helpful on the event day.

Collaborate with the school on the details of how the event will take place and what the students will do when they arrive at their destination: the school's entrance. Are students supposed to report to their classrooms? Are students meeting outside together? Are they meeting in one central location in the building? Where will helmets and bicycles be stored?

Check with the school to see if there are any special safety issues or additional precautions that need to be taken. However, your event may attract more students arriving on foot or bicycle than usual, so consider the larger group in planning!

Where does the trip start and end? Think of nearby parks, churches, businesses, libraries, or other meeting spaces with possible parking lots, preferably within a half-mile of the school.

Walk the route prior to the event to determine timing of the arrival at school (to ensure students can arrive on time and secure bikes and scooters). School police officers should be requested to assist along the route. Depending on the community/area, it may be possible to temporarily close streets or have law enforcement direct traffic and assist with students crossing streets.

Begin with recruiting other parents to volunteer. PTA meetings, email lists from the principal, and other student groups are a good place to start in creating your list of recruits. These volunteers are key to a smooth-running event that keeps everyone safe.

Remember to take advantage of your local school and community newsletters to solicit volunteers.

• Create flyers and handouts to send home with students to notify parents. The flyers should outline the event route, meeting times and places, and contact information. If possible, include safety reminders such as "wear bright clothing" or "wear a helmet."
• Printed posters in school hallways are also effective.
• Create and share social media posts and ask the school and school district to share and post on their social media sites. Consider home-made banners and signs along the walking/rolling route to make the community aware.
• Create and send out a news release to local media about the event. Media members are always looking for a "feel good" story. They may mention it in a community segment or may attend the event to raise awareness on Safe Routes to School.
• Contact your local Council District and the Mayor's Office and encourage them to take part in the event. With the school district's contacts, they can become a great resource for notification and promotion of the event, including reaching out to city leadership.

• Encourage students to have a healthy breakfast before coming out. Offer breakfast snacks and refreshments like fruits, snack bars, and water.
• Try getting the local school mascot to attend and take pictures!
• Use time to explain basic walking and biking safety. Remind students to stay in groups led by your volunteers. Make sure at least one adult chaperone has a first aid kit.
• Now you're ready! Enjoy the experience and watch the excitement on the students' faces! Be sure and take plenty of pictures (make sure to have parents' permission first!)

After the event, gather together and talk about what went well and what needs improvement before the next event. Keep track of the number of students who participated to possibly share with school officials when discussing future events. Post photos on social media and share with the school and community to keep the momentum going.