New legislation requires bicycle and walking safety education for back to school
Walk and Bike Safety Education for K-8 Students
Thanks to a new state law, all public-school students in Minnesota must receive instruction in safe walking and bicycling skills at the beginning of the school year. This new requirement went into effect on Aug. 1. MnDOT has frequently asked questions, educational materials, and more to help schools and school districts implement this requirement.
This legislation is similar to the law that requires students to receive bus safety education at the beginning of each school year. MnDOT is here to help you roll out this education in your school or district.
Review the Active Transportation Education requirement legislation.
 There’s a lot of information in the legislation that required this training, but the most important highlights are:
- Students in grades K-3 must receive pedestrian safety education, including crossing
- Students in grades 4-8 must receive pedestrian safety education, including crossing roads using the searching left-right-left for vehicles in traffic technique; as well as bicycle safety, including relevant traffic laws, use and proper fit of protective headgear, bicycle parts and safety features, and safe biking techniques.
- In most cases, students must receive this education by the end of the third week of school.
- Non-public schools may provide this education but are not required to do so.
Resources for schools and educators to meet this requirement
Don’t reinvent the wheel.
The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota has the following materials on its website to help implement Active Transportation Education in your classrooms:
- Lesson Plan Ideas
- Handouts & Activity Sheets
- Videos
- Technical Assistance
If you are interested in more comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle safety education, consider reading up on MnDOT’s Walk! Bike! Fun! Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Curriculum.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has videos, activities, and handouts.
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Walking – activity sheets, coloring sheets, and a presentation.
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Bicycle – safe bicycle driving tips, helmet fit, and rules of the road.
Upcoming Webinars
Learn more and get your questions answered about this new requirement.
Virtual Office Hours
BikeMN is hosting virtual “office hours” for educators with questions related to the educational content and requirements. Drop in/out when is convenient for you, no appointment necessary. Education staff will be available during the following times:
Thursday, Aug. 31 from noon to 1 p.m. (Zoom Link Here)
Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 11 a.m. to noon (Zoom Link Here)
Informational Webinar:
BikeMN hosted an informational webinar for educators, administrators, and interested advocates to learn more about the bike/pedestrian education requirements. The webinar was recorded.
Upcoming Grant Opportunities
We have finalized some grant timelines and are working on more new funding opportunities, so stay tuned for webinars, dates and more info.
SRTS in the news
Upcoming events
Sept. 7, 10-11 a.m. – MN SRTS Network Call
Oct. 4, 2023 – Walk to School Day
Feb. 7, 2024 – Winter Walk to School Day
May 8, 2024 – Bike to School Day
Resources
Learn more about the Walk! Bike! Fun! curriculum, bike fleet trailer request, and future training opportunities.
Check out the web-based Minnesota Bike Map, order free printed MN Bike Maps, and order MN Bicycle Handbooks (English, Spanish, Somali) for your organization’s events!
More about MnSRTS
Visit mnsaferoutestoschool.org
Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaSafeRoutestoSchool/
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