Travel to school

Walking to and from school

Key road safety messages for pedestrian safety

Always hold a child's hand when:

• crossing the road
• on the footpath
• in a carpark

Key messages to share with an older child:

• use a safe place to cross the road
• Stop! Look! Listen! Think! everytime you cross the road.

Driving and parking

Messages to share with parents/carers and students as drivers

To safely park in the school zone:

• drop your child off and pick them up on the school side of the road
• never call out to them from across the road - it is very dangerous
• always take extra care in 40km school zones
• follow all parking signs - these help keep your child as safe as possible
• park responsibly even if it means you have to walk further to the school gate (park and walk initiative)
• never double park - it is illegal and puts children at risk
• never do a U-turn or a three point turn outside the school as it puts children at risk of harm
• model safe and considerate pedestrian and driver behaviours to your child
• always give way to pedestrians, particularly when entering and leaving driveways.

Public transport

Key road safety message for safe bus travel

• Wait until the bus has gone and then use a safe place to cross the road.

Referenced from TfNSW Key road safety messages

Other key messages:

• Take a seat quickly.
• Buckle up if the bus has seatbelts.
• Place large bags or bulky items under the seat.
• Avoid placing any items in the aisle that might cause a hazard.
• Stay alert and avoid being distracted by mobile devices and earphones.
• Press the button before you want to get off the bus so the driver has enough time to stop.
• Stay in your seat until the bus has completely stopped.
• Always hold on if you are standing. • Use the handrail to get on and off the bus.

Bikes, E-bikes & scooters

Safety messages to share with families

• Children under 8 years old should always be supervised and should ride away from busy roads and in safe places such as parks and backyards.
• Children under 10 years old should be closely supervised while riding. Parents and carers should ride along with them on the footpath.
• Children under 16 can continue to ride on the footpath.
• Always wear a correctly fitted helmet.
• Ride a well-maintained bike, e-bike, scooter or skateboard.
• Choose safe places to ride, away from busy roads.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions like phones or headphones.
• Follow the road rules and give way to pedestrians.
• Supervise younger children and ride together where possible.
• Build skills and confidence before riding independently.