Active and Safe Routes to School
Active and Safe Routes to School is a program encouraging the use of active modes of transportation to and from school, such as Walking/Cycling School Buses. There are many program benefits, including:
- increased physical activity for children and youth
- a healthier lifestyle for the whole family
- less traffic congestion around schools
- safer, calmer streets and neighbourhoods
- improved air quality and a clean environment
What is a walking/cycling school bus?
It's a healthy and fun way of getting children to and from school. Volunteers (usually parents and caregivers) take turns walking or cycling with children on a designated safe route to and from their school.
The program is flexible and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of any school or community. Components include neighbourhood walkabouts, transportation surveys, walking clubs (e.g. Walking Wednesdays and Footloose Fridays), walking/cycling schoolbuses for children with adult supervision, no idling zone and active transportation events including Clean Air Day, the Commuter Challenge and International Walk to School Day.
For safe, green and community-oriented travel planning for your school, contact the Active and Safe Routes to School Program Coordinator at 925-3773.
Get Involved
It's Safe - Teachers and students pick the designated safe route to school and volunteers accompany the Walking/Cycling School Bus to ensure that children arrive at school safely. Walking/Cycling School Buses have the potential to greatly reduce the risk of vehicle-related accidents or injuries near schools. Having more people walk through our communities is also a great way to reduce crime and take back our neighbourhoods.
It's Active - Canadian children are not getting enough physical activity. By participating in the Active and Safe Routes to School program children get a chance to build exercise into their day by walking or cycling their way to and from school. Regular physical activity can help children maintain a healthy weight, reduce anxiety and stress, enhance their self-image and their academic performance.
It's Green - With up to 50% of children being driven to and from school each day vehicle speeds, dangerous traffic congestion and unhealthy pollution have become serious problems near schools. By reducing the number of cars travelling to and from schools children can enjoy safer streets and cleaner air. The car is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Manitoba. Both children and parents can take part in reducing overall emissions and their impact on the global environment by participating in active transport to school.
It's Easy - Participating is as easy as walking or riding a bike. Students enjoy the physical activity while parents enjoy the convenience. It's a great way to involve parents, families, and communities in school activities and children have a great opportunity to learn more about the community in which they live.
Useful links and resources:
Planning a presentation to your Parent Council on the Active and Safe Routes to School Program? Use this sample presentation as a guide - you can print it onto transparencies ready to use.
Making the case for Active and Safe Routes to School.
How to organise a Walking/Cycling School Bus.
Looking to build Active and Safe Routes into your curriculum? Visit this website for great information for teachers.
Visit our virtual store for promotional items for your Active and Safe Routes to School program. From tattoos to reflective vests there are items to suit every need and budget. A portion of the proceeds from sales goes to support the Canadian Active and Safe Routes to School Partnership.
Manitoba's Active and Safe Routes to School Program is a member of the Canadian Active and Safe Routes to School Partnership.
Visit the Active and Safe Routes to School website for more information.
