Next week, kids in B.C. are headed back to school. Leaving the car at home and choosing active ways to get to school is not only good for a kid’s health, but lessens pollution and reduces vehicle congestion around schools.
Walking, biking, riding a non-motorized scooter, skateboarding and even rollerblading are popular ways to get to school or work. The following safety reminders and a little planning ahead can help make sure your kids get to school safely while utilizing these more environmentally friendly methods of travel.
“Planning how your child will get to school on foot, by bike or by rolling before the first day of school can help reduce the risk of injuries,” says Dr. Silvina Mema, deputy chief medical health officer for IH. “Practise walking or riding with your child to school while sharing safety reminders. Have everything ready the night before so you’re not rushing out the door.”
Safety tips for active transportation
Tips for riding a non-motorized bike or scooter safely to school
- Wear a helmet that meets safety standards. Make sure it fits properly and there are no signs of wear
- Know and follow the rules of the road
- Ride at a safe speed and in designated areas such as protected bike lanes or routes, or on quiet streets. Try to stay at least one metre away from parked cars so you don’t get “doored.” If you’re a less experienced rider, start off slow and in areas where there’s little traffic.
- Be visible by wearing reflectors and bright clothing
- Avoid using headphones so can you stay alert and can hear what is happening around you
- Ensure your bike or scooter is equipped with added safety features, including a bell, lights and reflectors
- Always get off your scooter or bike and walk through a crosswalk
- Don’t carry passengers (no “doubling”)
Safety Tips for Cyclists (GoByBike BC)
Tips for walking safely to school
- Walk with friends if possible. There’s safety in numbers.
- Cross at intersections only. Look both ways and try to make eye contact with the driver.
- Don’t cut in between cars or in the middle of the block
- Don’t text and walk or listen to music so loudly you can’t hear traffic
A note on e-bikes and e-scooters
E-scooters
E-scooters are a less active way to travel to school compared with walking, biking or non-electric modes of rolling. E-scooters are a cleaner mode of transportation compared to a car.
Remember the following laws:
- It is illegal to ride an e-scooter on public roads and pathways for children under 16 (this includes privately owned e-scooters, and even e-scooters marketed as safe for children)
- It is illegal to ride an unless your municipality has signed up to be a part of the provincial pilot
- Cranbrook, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Golden, Oliver, and Osoyoos are the only Interior Region communities participating in the pilot.
- E-scooters must meet certain requirements to be legal
- Always wear a helmet
- E-scooters should only be ridden by one rider at a time
E-bikes
E-bikes are a less active way to travel to school compared to non-motorized bikes. E-bikes are a clean mode of transportation and can be an alternative to driving a car.
Remember the following laws:
- It is illegal for children under 16 to ride an e-bike. However, children 14+ are allowed to ride a light e-bike.
- Always wear a helmet
- E-bikes must meet certain requirements to be legal
Apply for support to make it safer to travel to school in your community
Interior Health distributes grants to communities in the region through the Vision Zero Grant program, which offers up to $20,000 per project to enhance the safety of road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
These funds can be used for infrastructural improvements, policy or enforcement initiatives, educational campaigns, or other innovative projects that promote safer and more equitable travel around the community.
Watch for the next grant cycle and get inspired by these examples of successful projects supported through Vision Zero:
- Parent Advisory Council for École Isabella Dicken Elementary School: Flashing pedestrian beacons and a radar speed sign were installed at a busy intersection to support safer walking and cycling routes for students travelling to and from Isabella Dicken Elementary School in Fernie.
- Town of Oliver: Vehicles speeds were reduced in Oliver by installing speed cushions on Spartan Street in front of Oliver Elementary School, improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users.
- Corporation of the Village of Lumby: A road safety engineering assessment was completed in response to growing safety concerns around JW Inglis Elementary School in Lumby, helping to set the foundation for safer routes for students travelling to and from school.
- School District No. 5: In two Cranbrook school zones, flashing speed signs designed to increase driver awareness and encourage compliance with school zone speed limits were installed to support safer travel for students, caregivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
How Interior Health supports active transportation to school
Interior Health's Healthy Communities team has been proud to support the Clean Air and Safe Routes 4 Schools program within the Central Okanagan region, which makes it easier and safer for students to walk, roll, and cycle to school.
IH Healthy Communities team participates in school walkabouts, reviews school travel plans, and shares information and resources on healthy and safe travel choices, active transportation, and air quality.
Every partner brings valuable expertise to the school travel planning process. Public health helps connect the conversation beyond transportation by highlighting how safer routes to school can support physical activity, improve air quality, and contribute to the overall well-being of children and families.
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