Is your child walking or cycling to school for the first time?
This is an exciting time for your child. Getting to and from school without adult supervision is a new stage in their personal development. It allows them to grow with new found independence and responsibility. However, it is important that they have the right advice to get to and from school safely.
Tips for parents:
- Prior to the first day of school, walk or cycle the route with your child several times so they are familiar with it. If possible, continue to escort them for the first few days of school.
- Identify any ‘safe houses’ along their route ie. homes belonging to neighbours, relatives or friends, where your child can go and feel safe.
- Teach your child to always cross at pedestrian crossings or intersections, to stop one step back from the kerb and to be fully alert when crossing the road.
- Teach your child to look out for cars entering and exiting driveways and to ride safely at all times.
- Advise your child to put away anything that could cause distractions such as mobile phones, music or gaming devices.
- Teach your child how to respond to strangers if they are approached.
- If your child has a mobile phone, show them how to dial the emergency number and make sure emergency contacts are stored in the phone.
- Provide an umbrella or raincoat in case of bad weather.
For more information including tips for kids see the handout: Getting to and from school flyer
Walking School Bus (WSB)
- WSB is a great way to get a group of families walking to school together. For information about WSB see the brochure: WSB – Get on board brochure
- If there are Volunteers that are interested in running a NEW WSB or joining an existing one, please email bmas@mvcc.vic.gov.au and we will arrange the necessary induction and paperwork to get started.
Parents that do have to drive:
For parents that do have to drive, consider:
- Parking a few streets away and walking the rest to school
- Using the pink zone, but adhering to the road rules. Do not park – just drop or pick up and go.
- For information about safety around schools see: safety around schools flyer
- For information about the drop of and pick up zone see: drop off and pick up zone flyer
Walk to School Month 2025 | Move in March
- We encourage families to consider walking to or from school during March even if it is only once a week
- Use the MVCC interactive maps to find the best way for you to walk, scoot, skate or ride to school and get active today: Getting to and from school safely – Moonee Valley City Council (mvcc.vic.gov.au)
