Getting Back to School on the Eagle Valley Trail
School is back in session across Eagle County, which means more families are back on the trail, too - walking to the bus stop, biking to school, or rolling along the Eagle Valley Trail (EVT) on the morning commute. With more kids, more bikes, and more crossings to navigate, late summer is a good time for a quick safety refresher before routines fully set in.
The Eagle Valley Trail provides a safe, fun, and car-free school route for families.
A Few Recommendations Before the Bell Rings
Helmets, every ride, every time. It's the single easiest thing to get right, and it's also the easiest thing to forget in the back-to-school rush.
Mornings are darker than they were in June. As sunrise creeps later, make sure bikes have front and rear lights and that kids are wearing something bright or reflective, especially near road crossings.
Practice the route before day one counts. If your family is trying a new walk or bike commute to school this fall, do a trial run together over a weekend. Talk through where the trail crosses streets, where to slow down, and where to walk the bike instead of ride it.
Teach the basics: stop, look, signal. A quick refresher on hand signals, looking both ways, and coming to a full stop at road crossings goes a long way for kids riding solo and for the grown-ups riding with them.
Share the trail. With more people out in the morning and afternoon rush, a little patience and a ring of your bell or a friendly "on your left" go a long way for everyone sharing the path.
Drivers, please slow down and watch for kids on bikes. Kids on bikes can be harder to spot and less predictable than adult riders, especially at crosswalks, driveways, and trailheads near schools. Slow down and stay alert year-round, and give extra room and extra attention during school commute hours.
Need a Helmet? Vail Health Has You Covered.
Thanks to Vail Health, free bicycle helmets are available year-round at two locations:
Stop by either location to get your rider fitted for a helmet before the next ride to school.
Here's to a safe, easy start to the school year. See you on the EVT!