Bimbi sicuri

Planned Information and Prevention Measures

The “Bimbi sicuri” initiative includes several concrete measures for information and prevention:

1. Safety tips, distributed via a circular sent to students’ parents, in collaboration with the municipal schools in Lugano and Melide;
2. Speed checks during the first few weeks of the new school year near school campuses;
3. Distribution of high-visibility vests and reflective stickers to first-grade students to ensure they are clearly visible on their way to and from school;
4. Monitoring the behavior of road users traveling to school, carried out by neighborhood police officers, assisted by police auxiliaries. Attention will focus on ensuring pedestrians have the right of way, the proper transport of children in vehicles, parking regulations near schools, and safe street crossing. During the first week, officers will educate and offer guidance. Afterward, violations will be penalized.

Tips for Vehicle Drivers

1. Drive slowly and carefully on stretches of road where children might be present.
2. Slow down and stop if a child who has the right of way wants to cross the street.
3. Do not use hand signals, so that the child can focus on the overall traffic situation.
4. Give the child as much time as they need, and do not start driving until they have crossed the street.

Tips for Kids

1. WAIT - Always stop before crossing. Stay on the sidewalk.
2. LOOK — Look both ways to see if a vehicle is coming.
3. LISTEN - Listen carefully. Sometimes we hear things we don't see.
4. CROSS - Cross only if there are no vehicles or if their wheels are not moving. Don’t run; watch for traffic even while you’re crossing.

Tips for Parents

1. Safe Route - Choose the safest route, not the shortest one.
2. Practice the route – Walk the route from home to school with your child, pointing out the most dangerous spots.
3. Safe Clothing—Choose high-visibility clothing for your child, with bright colors and reflective materials.
4. Set a Good Example - Help your child by explaining traffic rules and following them yourself to set a good example.
5. If possible, drive your child to school. The police support the PEDIBUS program.

Please note: Electric scooters and electric bicycles may only be ridden on the road by those aged 14 and older (with a Category M or G license); those aged 16 and older may ride them without a license.

Tips for Drivers Who Transport Children

1. Don't rush.
2. Always secure your child with the seat belt.
3. Use a car seat or booster seat. A car seat or booster seat is required for children up to 12 years of age or under 150 cm in height.
4. Don’t endanger children by parking or stopping where it’s prohibited.
5. Park only in designated parking areas and nowhere else.
6. Let the child out on the sidewalk side.
7. Before driving off, check to make sure there are no children in front of or behind your vehicle.

Traffic Instructors

The city police have dedicated personnel to provide road safety education to students. Corporal Patrick Brühwiler and Sergeant Claudio Buffolino, traffic instructors, will help the children learn the proper behaviors to follow on the road.

The instructors are also available to answer questions or address concerns regarding hazardous situations along the route between home and school.

Email contact: [email protected]