Our driving centred culture and the recent decision to end the spring and fall time change have raised an important issue. It's going to be dark while children walk to school and the province and municipalities have failed to create safe pedestrian infrastructure to protect them. Forming a Walking School Bus group may be a quickly implemented short term answer until complete street upgrades are made.
What is a Walking School Bus?
The Society for Children and Youth BC (SCYBC) provides a definition:
A walking school bus is a group of students who travel to and/or from school each day along a designated route, stopping along the way to pick up more students. The bus is supported by trained adult Walk Leaders, who walk with the group daily. The bus is powered not by an engine, but on foot, by the students themselves as they walk to and from school.
Two Different Models
There are two different walking school bus models currently operating in our province. Some routes are run by a paid Walk Leader trained and supervised by SCYBC. Other routes are community based with parent coordinators at the school and volunteers participate each day.
Safe Routes to School
Having a safe route to school is important for your child, especially if they are not part of a walking school bus. Walking potential routes yourself and then guiding your child through them to reinforce safely practices. Pick paths with sidewalks, crossing guards, and lower traffic speed, avoiding complex intersections if possible. Practice the walk with your child, and teaching safety rules like crossing at intersections and staying alert.
Walking School Bus Video
This video from TransLink explains what a walking school bus is and the benefits that it provides.
Learn More
- Society for Children and Youth BC
- Volunteer Application
- Preparing Children for a Safe Walk to School
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