Riding by herself

[Zen]

Get her a TracFone or something along those lines. You can buy a card with only thirty minutes on it or you can buy some twenty dollar TracFones that come with twenty minutes already on them.

[breezy]

Instead of the orange vest, let her pick out some bright colored jersey or jacket that she will be proud to wear. She'll think being seen is cool not dorky.

[Jolt]

Instead of the orange vest, let her pick out some bright colored jersey or jacket that she will be proud to wear. She'll think being seen is cool not dorky.

That's a really good idea--high visibility is important, so she needs something to make herself easy to see that she will actually WEAR.

[OakLeaf]

Get her a TracFone or something along those lines. You can buy a card with only thirty minutes on it or you can buy some twenty dollar TracFones that come with twenty minutes already on them.

I agree. Or at least one of those panic buttons that were discussed recently. Or you may be able to add a handset to your existing minute plan, and restrict hers to a limited number of phone numbers incoming and outgoing. Honestly, if I had to choose between my phone and my helmet, I'm not sure which one I'd rather be without. It's a vital safety tool IMO.

[SouthernBelle]

You know, I bet you can get walkie talkies that would cover that range. Esp if it's flat.

[DirtDiva]

I think you've done all that needs to be done (although I like the idea of taking her to choose something bright to wear). She's twelve and ought to be more than sensible and able enough to cope with a 5km ride between school and home. Surely this a much less scary thought than the fact she'll be driving in four years time...