Student transportation is going to look different, we’re here to help
“As we look to this fall … this is going to be a first day of school unlike any we’ve seen,” said Governor Tim Walz during a press conference on July 30th. In the “Safe Learning Plan” state officials are taking a “localized, data-driven approach” to reopening schools amid the global pandemic, with a goal of getting students back in the classroom while minimizing the spread of the virus.
With some schools resuming classes this fall, we recognize this may be putting an extra burden on school transportation staff and administrators to make plans to safely get kids to/from school with minimal spread of germs. We’re here to provide some resources to support walking and biking to school, a low viral transmission way to arrive to school ready to learn.
In these challenging times, walking and biking is a way for kids to still be kids and enjoy the moments of joy like kicking leaves, jumping in puddles or climbing snow mountains can bring.
Find tool and ideas at MnSRTS COVID-19 Resources for Safe Routes to School.
Park and walk guide
School congestion is a concern of many as we expect more parents and caregivers to want or need to drive their students to/from school. Creating a separate park and walk spot can create space for COVID checks to occur and space out students entering the school building to limit congestion from students using busses, biking or walking.
Visit our Park and Walk page for a guide, planning checklist and other templates.
School Streets
Closing down a street in front of school can reduce the congestion of students entering schools and waiting for a COVID screening or simply social distancing measures. Create cueing boxes and organize student arrivals, while also creating space for outdoor classrooms during the day.
Read the School Streets summary or full guide from the National Association of City Transportation Officials.
Walking School Buses
Walking School Buses provide adult supervision and guidance for a group of children to walk to school. This is a similar approach to a crossing guard, but this program helps students safely navigate the route and cross all of the streets on the way to school. Walking School Buses are easiest when they the leader meets students at one location and walks the group safely to/from school. These starting and ending locations may be from multi-family housing or apartments, mobile home parks or the entrance of a subdivision. This strategy can also advance equity goals and meet the most common concern for parents which is the lack of adult supervision on the way to/from school while walking. Review the Walking School Bus Guide and MnSRTS COVID considerations for Walking School Buses.
Bicycle racks and bike fleets
Bicycling to school can be a great opportunity for students to social distance, get some exercise and travel longer distances than by foot. However, if multiple students are locking up at the bike rack this may create a COVID transmission opportunity. Consider spacing out bike racks or acquiring temporary bike racks from your local parks department or other partners to provide more space for students to lock up safely.
Many schools have bike fleets to teach Walk! Bike! Fun! Safety Curriculum in physical education classes. Keep this curriculum going with our bike fleet guidance to safely support your P.E. teachers in a curriculum that keeps kids active, but safely apart from one another.
Crossing guard and student safety patrol online training
With more parent and caregivers transporting kids to school, there may be a need for more staff to support arrival and dismissal. Consider having staff complete the short online crossing guard training to make sure they are confident as they help direct traffic this fall. Additionally, there is a student safety patrol training available online to support the continuation of that program as in-person training opportunities may be limited.
*New* distance learning walking & biking curriculum for traffic safety
We have adapted our Walk! Bike! Fun! Curriculum, which is typically taught over a few weeks in physical education classes or out of school youth programs for distance learning. These lessons include both worksheets and outdoor walking and biking activities to complete virtually. These activity resources have options for how the student may complete them, depending on the equipment and technology available to them.
Walking and biking education for your students and families
Here are some videos to share with families and students to help them walk and bike safely this fall:
Upcoming events
August 13, 10-11:00 a.m.
Join folks from across the state to learn how communities are implementing SRTS. We will share MN updates and provide space for a peer to peer exchange.
To join the Minnesota Safe Routes to School Network and get log-in information please email center.communications@bluecrossmn.com
More about MnSRTS
Visit: mnsaferoutestoschool.org
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