Walking, Biking and Playing Safely

Biking, walking, skateboarding, in-line skating, scootering and going to the playground are activities that go hand in hand with kids. But know these facts from Safe Kids Canada:

• Every week in Canada , on average – 80 child pedestrians are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. At least one of them will die and 10 will have major injuries. In other words, each year more than 4000 children are hit by motor vehicles while playing outdoors or walking to school, to friends, to sports activities, or to a neighbourhood shop.
• Children up to age 4 are a highly vulnerable age group because of their inability to understand the risks of cars and because their small size makes them less visible to drivers.
• 5 to 9 year olds remain at high risk as pedestrians because their judgement and perceptual skills are still immature, yet they often eagerly to cross streets on their own in order to demonstrate some independence.

A lot of research has been done into how well young children understand risks. The studies show by the age of 3 to 6, children can begin to learn the skills needed to choose between risks they can manage safely and risks they should avoid. They are still learning though, and parents should not rely on children’s judgment completely. Parents should continue supervising their young children, and begin teaching them to play an active role in safety. Here are some tools to help you out.

Little Monkey, Hannah and her brother Jack are back. The curious trio, who explored safety issues in the popular book There’s a Monkey In My House, have returned with a sequel on street safety.

There Is A Monkey On My Street , is a story about a girl named Hannah, her brother Jack and Little Monkey, who spend a day together learning about safe walking, biking, rollerblading and skateboarding. This storybook teaches safety to children but also provides tips for parents. Join in with your child to read the story, spot the dangers and learn the safety steps.

There’s A Monkey On My Street

Il Y A Un Singe Dans Ma Rue.

Learning about safety rules and wearing the right protective gear while biking, rollerblading and skateboarding is extra fun when you join in the songs of Muskoka-born performer Mary Lambert. Listen and sing in English or in French. Go ahead, do actions or dance along as well!

Songs:
Knees And Head, Wrists And Elbows
Monkey See and Monkey Do

Coudes, Poignets, Genoux et Tete
Petit Singe Imite Tout

Parent Tips for Street Safety

Teach your child to protect their head by always wearing a bicycle helmet.

• Teach bike safety to your child
• Young children can begin to learn about safety, but do not always understand or remember safety rules. Children this age still need adults to supervise them carefully.
• Keep your child off the road until at least age ten.
• Teach your child to ride on streets where the speed limit is lower and where there is less traffic.
• Walk with your child and teach him how to cross the street safely.
• If you child is under age nine, make sure he crosses the street with an adult or older responsible child.
• Have your nine year old show you that she knows how to cross the street safely. Take walks together. Ask her to point out risks and tell you what she would do.
• Teach your child to always wear a helmet, knee pads, wrist guards and elbow pads when skateboarding, scootering and in-line skating.