Since you have staff to evaluate walking and bus routes, can I assume that my child is safe walking to the school or bus stop if he or she takes the most direct or most reasonable route possible?
No. It is impossible for the staff to assess the safety of every possible walking route to a bus stop or a school, and every family will have a different definition of the most direct or reasonable route. Even more important, what is “safe” varies from child to child. It is very important that you assess your child’s age and maturity before permitting him or her to walk unaccompanied to school or a bus stop. Keep in mind that children younger than age 9 or 10 often do not make good decisions regarding traffic safety, and generally should be accompanied by an adult or responsible older child. Regardless of the child’s age, if the child’s behavior or maturity suggests that he or she will be unsafe without adult or other supervision, or if the parents have any concerns about conditions on the route, parents should provide that supervision on the walking route and/or at the bus stop.
