Why your school board supports active transportation

Our school boards support active transportation as the preferred method of transportation to school. The daily active commute can contribute to better focus in the classroom, greater test scores, and increased physical and mental health.

Are you in the walk zone?

Check the Transportation Eligibility tool to find out if your address is in the walk zone.

Supervised walking groups and other support

Your school may already have walking programs that increase the safety and fun of walking to school by intensifying visibility and allowing students to walk with other children. Systems like the Walking School Bus, Walking Buddies, and Trailblazers all work to foster gradual independence through age-appropriate supervision, support, and road safety education. If your school does not already have these supports, call STSWR and ask how you might help to establish one.

Young walkers

An average Kindergartener can walk one kilometre in ten minutes, and stamina for walking (and all day long) improves quickly with daily practice. Often, small children have a harder time sitting still than they do moving for that amount of time. In fact, 20 minutes of physical activity at the beginning of the day can boost metabolism, increase mental focus for up to four hours, and help your child sleep better at night. Parents are responsible for ensuring small children are supervised on the walk to school.

School travel planning

School Travel Planning works with school communities and municipal and regional stakeholders to make active transportation an easier choice for more families. To find out more or to volunteer to work on your school travel planning committee, please contact Leslie Maxwell at leslie_maxwell@stswr.ca 519.744-7575 x224.