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Bicyclists, pedestrians need to be visible, vigilant

ITD recommends that children walk to school if they live within a reasonable distance of if they can do so safely. The added daily physical activity is healthy and teaches important traffic safety skills.

Parents can help reduce traffic congestion in school zones by parking their vehicles and walking with their child to school. Walking or bicycling to school also reduces unnecessary air pollution.

The National Safety Council also suggests that parents review with their children the correct way to cross a street.

Adults should walk or bike with their children to school the weekend before classes resume to help determine the safest travel route. Set a good example by using crosswalks and wearing a helmet when riding a bike.

Youngsters should always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look left, then right, and then left again before crossing. They should continue looking in this manner until they are safely across. Obey all traffic signals and/or crossing guards. Never cross the street against a "don't walk" light, even if you don't see any traffic coming.

Be visible to others. Wear reflective material if walking or biking to school in low-light conditions. If a student's vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacle, move out carefully to where drivers can see you and you can see other vehicles, then stop, and look left-right-left before proceeding.

Help kids understand basic traffic rules that apply to them when they ride a bicycle

Review hand signals for stopping and turning.

Always wear a bike helmet when riding to school. According to the transportation department, kids ages 4-19 make up the majority of bicyclists involved in collisions in Idaho, and a helmet is the most effective way to prevent head injuries.

Kids say they would wear a helmet if parents made it a rule, according to a recent study.