As students gear up for the new school year, it’s important to remember that getting to school safely is just as important as showing up ready to learn. Whether walking, biking, or riding a scooter, kids—and parents—need to know the rules of the road and follow them.

Walking and Riding the Right Way

Jordan School District has designated Safe Walking and Biking Routes for many schools. These routes include sidewalks, controlled crossings, and crossing guards to help kids travel safely. Families are encouraged to review their school’s route and walk or ride it together before the first day of school. Practice makes safety stick!

Riders should stay on the right side of the road, obey traffic signs, and stop at all intersections. Kids should always dismount and walk their bike or scooter across busy streets and school grounds. Helmets are a must for all riders under 18 and strongly encouraged for everyone.

Heads Up, Devices Down

Distractions like headphones or phones can be dangerous. Students should stay alert and aware of their surroundings while walking or riding.

Everyone Has a Role

Getting to school safely is a shared responsibility. Drivers should slow down in school zones, watch for children near crosswalks, and always stop for crossing guards. Students and families should follow rules and model safe behavior for others.

Know the Law: E-Bikes

E-bikes are powerful and should be treated like motor vehicles—with caution, care, and proper training.

If your child rides an electric bike, make sure you’re up to speed on Utah law:

• Children under age 8 are not permitted to ride e-bikes.
• Ages 8 to 13 must have direct adult supervision when operating an e-bike.
• E-bikes capable of speeds up to 28 mph (Class 3) are only legal for riders age 16 and up.
• Electric motorcycles—which lack pedals, exceed 28 mph, and have motors over 750 watts—are not classified as e-bikes and require a driver license with motorcycle endorsement, vehicle registration, and insurance.

Let’s work together to make this school year safe from the start.