As school starts, many kids are back on buses, sidewalks, and bikes. The trip to and from school is one of the riskiest parts of a child’s day, but a few clear rules make a big difference. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and CDC stress basics like seat belts when available, helmets on every ride, and safe street-crossing habits. With calm practice now, your child can build routines that help them arrive at school—and home—safe and confident.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026Safety
Getting to School Safely: Bus, Bike, and Walking Basics
Simple habits that make the trip to school much safer
The Teddy Editorial Desk · Grounded in AAP & CDC guidance
In Brief
The Briefing
Tips
School Bus Safety: The Big 3 Rules
Teach your child to (1) stay five giant steps back from the curb, (2) wait until the bus stops and the driver signals, and (3) use handrails going up and down the steps. The AAP also advises using seat belts on buses that have them and staying seated, facing forward.
Guidance
Walking to School: Crossing Smart
Most child pedestrian injuries happen mid-block or when kids dart out between parked cars. Practice crossing at corners, using crosswalks, and stopping at every curb: stop, look left-right-left, and keep looking while you cross. The AAP recommends that younger children walk with an adult or trusted older teen.
Explainer
Bike and Scooter Rides: Helmet Every Time
The AAP advises a properly fitted helmet on every ride, even for short trips to school. Helmets should sit level, cover the forehead, and have straps forming a “V” around the ears. Bright clothing and bike lights or reflectors help drivers see your child, especially on early, dim mornings.
Alert
Phones, Earbuds, and Distraction Near Traffic
Headphones and screens make it harder for kids to hear cars or pay attention when crossing streets. WHO and CDC injury-prevention experts recommend putting phones away and keeping one ear free near traffic. Set a family rule: no texting, gaming, or scrolling while walking, biking, or getting on or off the bus.
Questions
What Parents Are Asking
For the Clinic
Clinic Takeaway
This week, add two quick school-transportation safety touches: (1) Place a simple flyer or poster in waiting areas with three core points—bus line safety, “stop-look-listen” crossing, and “helmet every ride.” (2) During back-to-school and sports visits, have nurses or providers do a 30-second helmet fit demo and ask one screening question about how the child gets to school, then share one tailored safety tip.
Source: AAP Policy Statement: School Transportation Safety; AAP Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety resources
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