International Walk to School Day celebrates the benefits of walking, biking, or scooting to school. At the top of the list of benefits is fun! Remember the joy of your first scooter ride, taking the training wheels off, or that walk to school on your first day? There’s something special about using active modes of transportation to get to school.

While there are many benefits to walking, biking, or scooting to school, it’s important to be safe while you do so. Below you’ll find our top 5 tips to make sure your commute is both safe & fun.

1. Wear a helmet when scooting or biking - don’t take the risk of a serious brain injury. They are more common than you might think! Use this checklist to make sure your helmet is a proper fit, and make sure it’s secure before you head to school.
2. Plan your route - have an idea of how long it will take you to get there, what traffic is like, and if it’s safe. You can also plan to pick up a friend on your way!
3.  Walk your scooter across the crosswalk - Looking both ways isn’t the only tip you need to remember hen crossing the street! Walking your scooter across the crosswalk ensures that you’re slowing down enough to look both ways, and for cars to see you.
4. Discuss a plan for emergencies - While young children should always go with an adult, some parents feel comfortable allowing a group of older children to commute together without supervision. Regardless, be sure to communicate your expectations clearly so your child knows what to do, who to call, or where to go in case of an emergency.
5.  Start a walking school bus - Invite families in your neighborhood to walk children to school together as a group as part of a “walking school bus.” It’s easier to be seen as a group, plus it’s just plain fun.