Happy July from the Georgia Commute Schools team! Summer is in full swing, and it’s a great time to share a few safety reminders as families enjoy the outdoors and gear up for a new school year.
Safety
First, bike safety remains a top priority—whether students ride with friends or join a Bike Bus. Helmets should be snug and properly buckled, bikes should be inspected for working brakes and fully inflated tires, and bright or reflective clothing should be worn, especially in low-light conditions. Riders should always follow the rules of the road and ride with traffic.
Always bring a water bottle (and always wear your helmet!)
With high summer temperatures, it’s also important to remember heat safety. Remember to hydrate before and after riding, wear light-colored, breathable clothing, and apply sunscreen before heading outside. Avoid mid-day activity when possible, and take breaks in the shade when needed. During summer bicycling, all of us can become dehydrated, but children faster than you would expect, especially in Georgia’s heat. Kids may lose up to a liter (that’s about 2- 16-oz bottles of water!) of fluid per hour through sweat during physical activity, even before feeling thirsty. It’s important to start hydrating before the ride begins to avoid dehydration. A good rule of thumb is for children to drink about 8–16 ounces of water an hour before riding, then sip 5–10 ounces every 20 minutes during activity. After riding, they should rehydrate with another glass of water. Encouraging regular water breaks and watching for signs like fatigue, dry mouth, or dizziness can help keep summer rides safe and fun. These simple steps help keep everyone safe and healthy while enjoying outdoor commutes.
Back to School Car Line Blues?
It may feel early, but back-to-school is just around the corner! Now is the perfect time to make a game plan for your school commute. Review safe walking and biking routes, check for any changes to school arrival or dismissal plans, and connect with your school’s transportation and safety teams as you consider your options. If your school is interested in starting a Bike Bus, GCS is here to help with free toolkits and support. If biking or walking to school isn’t an option, many schools offer school bus transportation. You can also reduce traffic and harmful emissions by setting up a carpool with neighbors or friends. It’s a great way to ease the morning rush, help reduce local air pollution, and keep our school communities clean and safe.
Throughout the summer, GCS thanks all metro Atlanta communities for being part of our mission to make school commutes safer, healthier, and more fun. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
– Written by Gil Osmer, former Deputy Chief of Training for Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services