ARBÖ: The focus is on the way to school: safely on the way to the classroom

The start of school is slowly approaching and numerous children will soon be making the pilgrimage to school in the morning. For many children it will be the first time that they have to go to school alone. To ensure that the way to school is safe and stress-free for young road users, the ARBÖ recommends practicing the way to school with the children at an early stage. Certain general conditions must be observed, especially for students who ride to school on scooters, bicycles, etc.

“Children still lack the routine in road traffic; they cannot see it as well or assess it as well as adults. Children are easily distracted; they are smaller and therefore have a more limited field of vision. Speeds, distances and dangers in general are also more difficult to assess,” says ARBÖ traffic psychologist Mag. Patricia Prunner. “The motto must be: Practice, practice, practice!” The route to school should be developed and repeated in good time and together with the parents. And it’s best to start with this during the last weeks of the holidays: “The way to school is not learned in one day, but it takes six to ten repetitions until all dangerous situations on the way to school are recognized as such,” explains Mag. Prunner.

Many children do not go to school on foot, but prefer to use a bicycle or scooter. This should also be used to practice the safest route to school. It is particularly important to identify potential sources of danger in advance and discuss them with the children. The ARBÖ has briefly summarized what else needs to be taken into account when it comes to companions:

Kick scooters and scooters

1. They are toy-like companions, like skateboards, longboards and kickboards.
2. They are operated using pure muscle power and may only be moved on the sidewalk and at walking speed.
3. Pedestrians must not be endangered by these.
4. The cycle path is just as taboo for scooters and kick scooters as multi-purpose lanes or the street.
5. Children under eight years of age require a guardian who is at least 16 years old.

E-scooter and bicycle

1. The same regulations apply to e-scooters as to bicycles. Accordingly, electric scooters and bicycles may only be used on cycle paths, multi-purpose lanes or on the street.
2. Children up to the age of 12 are required to wear a helmet.
3. It is permitted to use an e-scooter or bicycle without a supervisor (minimum age: 16 years) from the child’s 12th birthday or if the child is at least nine years old and has a bicycle pass.
4. In darkness or poor visibility, the use of a white light to the front and a red light to the rear is mandatory.
5. Both must be equipped with the following StVO-compliant: effective braking device, reflectors or reflective foils (white to the front, red to the rear and yellow to the side), bell as well as a forward-facing white light and a red rear light.
6. The right clothing and equipment is also important: The child should wear bright and reflective clothing and the school bag should also be equipped with reflective material.

5 tips for properly transporting your school bag on your bike

1. Practice cycling (especially turning and braking) in advance with your school bag. The extra weight poses a challenge for the sense of balance and motor skills.
2. The school bag should always be worn over both shoulders and the shoulder straps should be tightened – this prevents the school bag from dangling and thus affecting balance.
3. Additional chest and lap straps provide even more support.
4. Pack your school bag correctly: Always position heavy things such as books close to the back.
5. If the child cycles to school regularly, it is worth purchasing a bicycle basket or luggage rack.

“Regardless of whether the children go to school on foot or on a scooter, (e-)scooter or bicycle, early preparation for the way to school and compliance with traffic rules are essential to ensure the safety of children on the road “, Mag. Prunner finally appeals to all parents and legal guardians.