Keeping students safe on the road is a priority for everyone. One way that we can make sure students understand road safety is by hosting events that involve everyone, from community partners to parent-teacher councils to school staff and students. After all, road safety isn’t just the responsibility of one teacher, principal or parent/caregiver—the whole community has a part to play in ensuring students are knowledgeable and cautious pedestrians, passengers and cyclists.
The best time to organize a road safety event is at the beginning of the school year, or at the start of spring when it’s relatively warm and students are outdoors and near roads.
Goals of a road safety event
- To raise awareness of road safety issues, including distractions, environmental hazards and risk-taking behaviour.
- To promote behaviours that reinforce the Healthy Schools approach.
- To inform students about their responsibility in keeping themselves safe and healthy.
- To encourage students to have a responsible attitude towards their own safety and to the safety of their peers
Tools and Resources
This package provides a variety of materials, activities and suggestions to create a one-week (or one-day) road safety event. Simply select materials from the resources below that suit your event.
Road Sign
Awareness
Bike Rodeo
A bike rodeo is a fun, hands-on, educational event that teaches students about cycling techniques, obeying traffic signals and the laws of road use. It’s a great way for kids to learn how to ride safely, get some exercise and improve their cycling skills. It also helps caregivers to feel confident in their child’s bicycle use.
The interactive event meets the expectations of both Health & Physical Education and other curricula. This is an excellent opportunity to engage community partners in an event that promotes the health and safety of everyone in the school community.
A bike rodeo is made up of several stages and activity stations. It can be a large multi-day event or a few hours of simple activities with pylons in the school parking lot. Bike rodeo events can be modified for your group (municipality, school community, etc.) and the age and ability of your students.
Bike Rodeo Resources
Check out the resources below for activities, information, and suggestions to help you organize a Bike Rodeo.
