Getting to school safely

Crossing the road

Two school children and their mother prepare to cross the road

1. STOP

STOP one step back from the footpath or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath.

2. LOOK 3. LISTEN

LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic. Can they be seen by drivers? LISTEN for approaching traffic.

4. THINK

THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – when the road is clear, or all traffic has stopped at a crossing. Then GO.

Find out more

Scooters

Riding an e-scooter or non-motorised scooter is a quick and fun way for kids to get to school! For parents it’s easy to walk alongside a child on a scooter. Riders are not legally required to wear a helmet when using human-powered wheeled recreational devices. However, a helmet is required if the scooter has an electric motor.

On top of following the general road rules a there are a few different rules in place for riders that ensure a safer ride:

E-scooters

  • always wear a helmet strapped correctly
  • children must be at least 16 years old to ride an e-scooter to school alone

  • stay under 12km/hr limit on footpaths and shared paths or the 25/km/hr limit on bike paths and roads
  • sound your bell to warn pedestrians as you approach
  • avoid using a mobile phone.

To learn about all the rules for riders visit our Personal Mobility Devices information hub.

Non motorised scooters

  • keep the far left-hand side of the road and to the left of a footpath
  • give way to foot pedestrians on a footpath and bike riders on a bike path or lane
  • don’t travel on a road with a speed limit greater than 50km/hr, with a median strip, centre line or 1 way road with more than 1 marked lane.

Local governments often have local laws prohibiting the use of wheeled recreational devices and wheeled toys on busy roads and footpaths.

Contact your local council for more information on local laws in your area.

Tips for carpooling

Sharing the driving with other parents reduces the number of cars on the road and amount of traffic around your child’s school. Plus, it is a great way to save money.

When carpooling:

  • meet the other parents in the carpool before the first pick up or drop off
  • exchange contact details with the other parents so that you can contact each other in an emergency
  • make sure each driver has a valid licence and a safe vehicle
  • make sure each driver knows the rules for driving with children and has the correct child restraints (such as booster seats).