Walking & Biking to School
*There is no “right” age for kids to start walking to and from school. Parents need to consider the maturity of their child, how many busy streets have to be crossed and the availability of others to walk with them.
*Each Summit public school has a “Safe Walking Route” in their student directory, which has been approved by the Summit Police Department. Prior to the first time your child walks/bikes to school, research the route together. Talk about not diverting from the route and taking shortcuts through backyards. Show them where to cross safely.
*Don’t let them play electronic games or walk with headphones on. They will be distracted and not aware of their surroundings.
*Review proper pedestrian safety guidelines with your child and have them obey all traffic light signals and/or the crossing guards.
*Show your child how to properly cross the street:
*Stop at the curb, look left, then right and then left again before crossing.
They should continue looking in this manner until they are safely across.
If the child’s vision is blocked by a parked vehicle or other obstacle, they should move out to where drivers can see them and they can see other vehicles- then stop, look left-right-left again and cross.
*Have your child use the “buddy system” when walking or biking to school.
Driving Safely Near Schools
Safety Awareness for Parents
- Increased traffic demands extra caution. Be aware of traffic congestion around schools as people drop children off and pick them up.
- Buckle up everyone in vehicle – which includes you.
- Park in the proper drop-off area when dropping your child off at school. Parents should not have their children crossing the street between parked cars so that they can avoid congestion in the proper area. Wait and watch your child enter the school or play area.
Safety Awareness for Motorists
- Obey reduced speed limits posted within school zones.
- Reduce speed in residential areas. Be alert. Children who are running late may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
- Watch for children walking or bicycling to school when backing out of a driveway or garage.
- Motorists must yield to any and all pedestrians walking within a crosswalk. Slow down as you approach crosswalks and be aware of pedestrians about to cross the street.
- Be aware of posted school crossing points and crossing guards. Be Alert !
Having our children arrive at school and home safely is everyone’s responsibility !
Drive Safe !!!!
Any questions, please contact Lt. John Dougherty at the Summit Police Department’s Traffic & Special Services Bureau (908-277-9397) or jdougherty@cityofsummit.org
Some tips on getting your children to and from schools safely
Summit Police Department
512 Springfield Ave Summit, NJ 07901
512 Springfield Ave Summit, NJ 07901
