First Rider program returning to teach bus safety in Red Deer

As students prepare to head back to school in the fall, coordinators are rolling out the eighth annual First Rider bus safety event.

The event is run in conjunction with Chinook’s Edge, Red Deer Public and Red Deer Catholic school divisions, along with Prairie Bus Lines.

Students in Kindergarten and Grade 1 are the target for the First Rider program, but other students who are riding a school bus for the first time are also welcome to attend. During the 45 minute program, students will cycle through four activity stations where they become comfortable and familiar with protocols and procedures on the bus.

The idea for the program is to ensure successful bus riding experiences while promoting safe practices. Attending students will also receive a goodie bag to take home.

“We feel it’s important to get as many young riders to participate as possible, even if your child will not be riding a routed school bus to and from school daily,” said Kelli Pickett, Safety and Training Coordinator with Red Deer Catholic Transportation Department in a press release.

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“Your child could still ride the school bus for field trips and it is important that they understand the safety rules.”

After a child-friendly video of Winnie-the-Pooh riding his very first bus, students learn about safety at the bus stops and conduct a mock evacuation and discover danger areas around the bus where accidents are most likely.

Students, along with their parents or guardians, will take a 10 minute bus ride to learn how to load and exit the bus in the proper manner.

“These young students will likely be on our buses for several years, so we want to start them off right,” said Patty Thompson, Assistant Director of Transportation for Chinook’s Edge.

First Riders program runs just before school returns in the fall, which Thompson said is a great way to transition students from summer into a safe year ahead.

“First Rider is popular and successful – we’ve had at least 200 students participate every year since we started the program in 2009. That’s a lot of young people who have a better understanding of safety, and a lot of parents who have a reminder about bus safety, just in time for school start-up.”

The Red Deer First Rider program will be offered at École Secondaire Notre Dame High School, at 50 Lees Street, on August 15th from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. It will also be offered in Olds at Olds College, at 4500 – 50th Street, on August 16th from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Scott Hucal, General Manager of Prairie Bus Lines, said because school buses provide the transportation for millions of miles across the province and through numerous weather conditions, they welcome any additional supports to enhance the safety of bus students.

“We will always continue providing information and practice sessions at the school level, as most students will be on the bus at one point for field trips. But for our regular bus riders who are just starting out, the First Rider program will make this important journey into school less intimidating,” said Hucal.

For more information on the First Rider program contact:

Chinook’s Edge School Division: 403-227-7070

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools: 403-309-8801

Red Deer Public Schools: 403-342-3708 or 403-352-2827