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Back to School Means

Extra Caution as We Share the Road

by Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director,
Naples Pathways Coalition

s the school year begins, our roads become busier While a traditional bicycle helmet certified to CPSC standards is
with school buses, parents driving to drop-off appropriate for most bicycle riding, many safety experts now recommend
A lines, teen drivers heading to class, and hundreds enhanced helmets for riders of faster electric bikes and e-scooters. Look
of children walking, biking, scootering, and riding e-bikes for helmets that meet standards such as NTA 8776, developed specifically
to school. While the excitement of a new school year is in for higher-speed e-bike riders, or helmets certified to ASTM F1952 for
the air, it's also one of the most important times to focus additional coverage and protection. These helmets provide greater coverage
on transportation safety. around the temples and back of the head and are designed to better manage
Whether you're behind the wheel, on a bicycle, or higher-speed impacts.
walking your child to school, everyone has a role in No matter which helmet is chosen, it should fit snugly, sit level on the
creating safer streets. head, and have the chin strap securely fastened.
Safety starts before leaving home. Parents can help children develop safe Drivers play the biggest role. Drivers should expect increased pedestrian
habits before they ever leave the driveway. Walk younger children to school and bicycle activity before and after school. Slow down in school zones,
when possible and practice crossing streets together. Teach children to cross only eliminate distractions, and be especially alert when turning at intersections or
at crosswalks or intersections, obey crossing guards, and make eye contact with entering and exiting parking lots, driveways, and neighborhoods.
drivers before stepping into the roadway. Children can be unpredictable. A ball rolling into the street or a child
Students riding bicycles or scooters should always wear a properly fit and stepping off the curb without looking can happen in an instant. Driving at a
fastened helmet, ride predictably, obey traffic signs and signals, and avoid slower speed gives motorists more time to react and can mean the difference
distractions like headphones or cell phones that can prevent them from hearing between a close call and a tragedy.
approaching vehicles. Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and provide at least three feet
Visibility is equally important. Bright-colored clothing, reflective accessories, of space when passing someone riding a bicycle. Before opening your vehicle
and front and rear lights make it much easier for drivers to see riders during door after parking, check for approaching bicyclists or scooter riders.
early morning commutes. School bus safety saves lives. Every school day, thousands of Florida
E-bikes and e-scooters require extra responsibility. These devices have students rely on school buses to get safely to and from school. The most
become increasingly popular with students and families, but many fail to realize dangerous part of the trip is often getting on or off the bus, not riding it.
they are not toys. While they make transportation easier, they also travel much When a school bus extends its stop arm and flashes its red lights, drivers
faster than traditional bicycles, often reaching speeds of 20 mph or more. At must stop unless they are traveling in the opposite direction on a divided
those speeds, riders have less time to react, and crashes can result in more serious highway with a physical median. Passing a stopped school bus illegally places
injuries. children at tremendous risk.
Parents need to realize that kids’ brains are not yet fully developed, and they Parents should also remind children to stay at least ten feet away from the
lack the spatial awareness necessary to determine how long it takes to stop on front of the bus where the driver can see them and to never cross the street
these faster and heavier machines. Riders should learn basic traffic laws and how until signaled by the bus driver.
traffic flows, practice braking, turning, and avoiding hazards in a safe location, Safe school travel depends on everyone working together. Parents can
understand how quickly speed can reduce reaction time, and never interact with teach safe habits. Students can stay alert and wear their helmets. Drivers can
their phones or other distractions while riding. slow down, eliminate distractions, and watch carefully for our youngest road
Riders must obey stop signs, yield to pedestrians, ride in the same direction users.
as traffic whether on the road or on a sidewalk, call out when passing, and As another school year begins, let's remember that every child deserves a
avoid weaving between vehicles or pedestrians. While sidewalks may seem to safe trip to and from school. By sharing the road with patience, courtesy, and
be the safest place to ride, extra caution is needed at driveways and parking lot attention, we can help ensure every student arrives safely every day.
entrances. Many drivers don’t even think of looking for someone riding a bike or For more safety resources, please visit NaplesPathways.org.
scooter on a sidewalk, so riders must be prepared to stop quickly and always look We invite you to get involved in our advocacy work by joining Naples
for cars entering and exiting parking lots and driveways. Pathways Coalition or donating to support our mission to create a safe, walkable
Choose the right helmet. One of the simplest and most effective ways to and bikeable Collier County.
reduce the risk of serious head injury is wearing a properly fitted helmet every Visit https://naplespathways.org/get-involved
ride.

For more information, please visit www.NaplesPathways.org and www.HandsFreeFlorida.org
If you have any specific questions, email me at Michelle@NaplesPathways.org
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