Stay Safe and Fit this Summer with Walking and Biking!
Annie Scott, MPH, RD – Health Educator
Summer can be a great opportunity to spend more time outside. It is important for kids to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day – even in the summer! Physical activity is good for physical and mental health. Walking and biking are two types of physical activity that can be enjoyed outside and are fun for the whole family!
It is important to follow safety guidelines when walking and biking. Per the NC Department of Transportation, approximately 16 child pedestrians and 3 child bicyclists under the age of 15 are involved in fatal crashes each year in North Carolina, and hundreds more are injured. It is essential to take pedestrian and bicycle safety seriously!
Poe’s Tips for Keeping Safe this Summer
While Walking
• Always walk on the left side, facing traffic.
• Wear bright colors so you can be seen easily.
• Crosswalk Safety:
• A crosswalk is the safest spot to cross a street.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Make eye contact with drivers before walking in front of them.
• Be Alert:
• Remove headphones or earbuds so that you can hear traffic.
• Avoid distractions like toys or phones.
While Biking
• Always wear a helmet.
• Ride with the flow of traffic and follow all traffic signs and signals.
• Wear bright colors so you can be seen easily.
• Be Alert:
• Look both ways before crossing the street and when approaching driveways.
• Remove headphones or earbuds.
• Always use hand signals when you are turning or stopping.
What about COVID-19?
• The CDC recommends that adults and children continue to get physical activity and encourages walking as a part of your daily routine.
• Remember to practice social distancing. Keeping a safe distance of 6 feet from others can help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
• If possible, wear face coverings in outdoor areas. More people are getting outside in parks and on greenways, and it is important to wear face coverings when social distancing is more difficult.
For more information on bike and walking safety, check out the videos and activities below!
Sources:
NC DOT Let’s Go Walking! Curriculum
NC DOT Let’s Go Biking! Curriculum
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Bike Safety Kit
Featured Poe Program: Safety Smart
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 1st
Program Length: 45 minutes
You are someone special! Through a series of hands-on activities and games, this program illustrates the message of protecting yourself from the everyday dangers of daily activities. Learn how to stay safe and healthy while still having fun!
To schedule a virtual program with Poe, contact our scheduler Amanda Bodenheimer at [email protected] today.
Featured Videos and Activities: Bike and Pedestrian Safety
Want to learn more about bike and pedestrian safety? Check out these short, fun videos and activities to learn more.
Bike Safety Word Search Puzzle
You can find other Bike Safety activities and games at the NHTSA Bike Safety Kit