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118 <br /> Schools should evaluate the desire for a walking school bus program by reaching out to parents <br /> and staff.Then a potential route can be identified that is safe for walking and has minimal traffic <br /> hazards. By walking together under the guidance of adults, a walking school bus provides a safe <br /> alternative to traditional school transportation. <br /> Safety Education Programs <br /> Safety education programs are a critical component of a SRTS plan.They equip students, parents, <br /> and staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to travel safely to and from school, whether by <br /> walking, biking, or driving. <br /> Pedestrian safety education should teach students the basics of safe walking practices,focusing <br /> on how to navigate streets, cross intersections, and recognize traffic signals. Schools should utilize <br /> classroom time, interactive games, or mock simulations to help children learn and practice these <br /> skills. <br /> Bicycle safety education should ensure students understand the rules of the road for cyclists and <br /> how to properly use their bikes. Education topics should include helmet usage, hand signals, <br /> inspecting brakes, tires, and chain, and understanding the blind spots of cars and buses. Schools <br /> should utilize classroom time and bike rodeos to teach students these skills. <br /> Driver safety education should educate drivers, including parents, staff, and community members, <br /> about how to drive safely around schools, pedestrians, and cyclists. Education topics should <br /> include reducing speed in school zones,yielding to pedestrians, stopping for school buses, and <br /> awareness of children's behaviors. Schools should work with local police or safety organization to <br /> post informational flyers, host community safety talks, and address key issues. <br /> Walking and Biking Incentive Programs <br /> Schools should encourage students to walk or bike to school by offering rewards, recognitions, <br /> and fun activities.These programs help foster a culture of active transportation while promoting <br /> physical activity, reducing traffic congestions, and increasing safety around schools. <br /> Schools should host monthly Walk or Bike to School Days where students are invited to walk or <br /> bike to school. On these days, schools can create a festive atmosphere by setting up tables and <br /> handing out snacks and badges for participation. <br /> Walking and biking contests can also be used to motive students to walk or bike to school more <br /> frequently. Schools should design competitions between classrooms or grades to track the <br /> number of trips walked and biked.Those with the highest numbers can then be awarded with <br /> trophies or special parties. Alternatively,the school can set a collective goal for all students and <br /> then reward all students with a special party once the goal has been achieved. <br /> Walking and biking incentive programs provide many health and safety benefits for students. <br /> Regular physical activity improves overall health and enhance mental well-being. When more <br /> students walk and bike to school, neighborhoods become more walkable and safer with less <br /> vehicular traffic.Through fun and engaging activities, these incentive programs help create a <br /> more active and safer school community. <br /> Safe Routes to School <br /> Orange County,North Carolina 116 <br />