Bike Riding Safety During the Pandemic

Safe Routes to Schools is committed to supporting our school communities by providing pedestrian and bicycle safety lessons. The protocols outlined by Marin County's Shelter Order for Social Distancing must be followed when walking, rolling and cycling at all times.

Where can I ride my bike with my child while shelter-in-place orders are in effect?

• Use wider, less popular paths; avoid crowded paths and parks

• Stay well within your children’s skill levels

• Don’t ride in areas that are closed to the public

Social Distance Safely

Before you head out, talk to your children about the importance of giving others plenty of space. When passing others, get creative without going into the street; step to the side and pass as far from others as safely possible.

Social Distance by Bike

• When you are on a bike and traveling faster than a walking pace, airborne particles can travel much further. A slipstream is a current of air created by movement. Avoid traveling into other slipstreams, and keep others out of yours.

• Give other road and path users a wide berth when passing. Don’t move back into their line of travel until you are far in front of them, where possible. Particles can easily travel 20 feet, or much further, in your slipstream. Passing someone quickly can be more dangerous than passing slowly.

• If you need to pass someone, put your mask over your face. You can keep it around your neck when you don't need it.

• If there is less than 10 feet to safely pass, verbally communicate to the other person: while stopped or slowed, ask if it's okay to ride past. Make sure you are a good distance away when you first address them. Avoid surprising anyone.

• If passing on a narrow trail, you may need to get off of your bike and step off the trail. Always yield to pedestrians.

• Masks are not required when running or biking, but you should bring one with you, and wear it when you are near other people.

• Children under 12 years old are not required to wear a mask, but should wear one if they are comfortable with it.

• Remember, pedestrians always have the right of way. Cyclists should slow or stop when passing, whether on roads, pathways, or trails.

The following remote lessons have been created by your Safe Routes to School instructors:

• Grades 1, 2 – Stop Look Listen – Remote Lesson (15 minutes)

• Grade 3 – Pedestrian and Bike Safety – Remote Lesson (13 minutes)

• Grades 4, 5 – Bike Traffic Safety – Remote Lesson (14 minutes)

• Grades 6, 7, 8 - Drive That Bike - Remote Lesson (23  minutes)