Back-to-school safety tips for Menlo Park families

Published on August 12, 2025

It’s that time of year again! Students are headed back to school which means our streets will get busier with more walkers, bikers and drivers. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading into middle school, now’s a great time to review some easy safety tips to help everyone get to and from school safely.

Prepare before the first day

• Try your route ahead of time: Use your school’s Walk and Roll Map to find the best way to get to school and take a test run! Practicing ahead of time will help you and your student feel confident heading on the first day.
• Go with friends: Ask your neighbors now about going to school together. Traveling in groups is not only fun, it’s safer!
• Be seen: Include bright-colored outfits in your back-to-school shopping in order to help drivers spot students in the morning and afternoon.

Walking tips for students

• Use crosswalks: Teach your child to look left, right and left again and always make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Listen to crossing guards: School crossing guards are there to assist students with crossing busier streets and play a crucial role in educating children on safe walking and biking habits.
• Put phones away: Walking distracted can be dangerous. No texting or headphone use while crossing streets.

Biking Tips for Students

• Always wear a helmet: It’s the law for kids under 18 and it’s the smart thing to do. A properly fitted helmet protects your child’s head in case of a fall or crash.
• Light up and gear up: Make sure your child’s bike has working front and rear lights and reflectors, especially if they’re riding during early morning hours.

Ride safely

• Stick to bike lanes or paths if they’re available.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and obey all signs and signals.
• Teach kids to avoid the “door zone” near parked cars.
• Be predictable: Don't weave between cars or ride on sidewalks in busy areas (walk bikes on sidewalks in busy areas like downtown Menlo Park). Riding on sidewalks in downtown Menlo Park is prohibited by the City of Menlo Park Municipal Code.
• Be heard: A bike bell allows you to be heard by other cyclists, motorists and pedestrians.
• Cross tracks with care: Cross perpendicular to the tracks and walk bikes when the pavement is bumpy or slippery.

Driving tips for parents

• Slow down: School zones in Menlo Park have a 15-mph speed limit. Going slower gives you more time to react and keeps people safe.
• Use the Dutch Reach: When parked, open your car door with the hand farthest from the door. This simple trick makes you turn your head and spot oncoming bikes.
• Be alert: Always stop for crossing guards, watch for kids at crosswalks and never block intersections or driveways.

Let’s all do our part to keep kids safe and confident as they head back to school!