Walking to School

Communities across the nation are implementing Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs. SRTS programs improve safety conditions and increase the number of students walking to and from school. A walking school bus program can help reduce air pollution, increase the number of students walking and bicycling, and give children and adults an opportunity to get some exercise and socialize, all while getting to school on time! 

What is a Walking School Bus? 

A walking school bus is a safe and fun way for children to be physically active as they travel to and from school. Each “bus” walks along a set route with one or more adults leading it, picking children up at designated stops along a predetermined route and walking them to school. The process is reversed in the afternoons on the way home from school. It is that easy. You may find that families are already doing this with their children and would be delighted to help more students get to school in this healthy, safe and fun way! 

Pedestrian Safety Tips 

During the back-to-school season, emergency departments see an increase in trauma-related pedestrian, bicycle and school bus injuries. Many of these injuries result from a collision with a vehicle and are preventable by following some simple safety guidelines. These pedestrian safety tips from Children’s Health℠ will keep your child safe while they walk to school. 

• • Children should walk with an adult until they are at least ten years old. 
  • Map out safe routes to school with your children before they head out on their own. 
  • Kids should hold a grown-up’s hand when they cross the street or are in parking lots. 
  • Always cross the street at a corner or at a crosswalk and obey traffic signals; cross with a crossing guard if there is one. 
  • Walk on a sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street, facing oncoming traffic. 
  • Look left, then right, then left again before crossing the street. Continue looking while you cross. 
  • Make sure children wear light-colored or bright clothing to be more visible to drivers. 
  • Do not cross behind the bus or between parked cars where a driver cannot see you. 
  • Always make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street. 
  • Encourage kids to stay off cell phones and think twice about wearing earphones. Kids should be able to hear their surroundings when walking to school. 
  • Children will model the behavior of adults, so be mindful of pedestrian rules to set a good example and keep kids safe. 

How to Evaluate Safe Routes 

Each year, coalitions from Safe Kids Walk This Way have created local task forces with the goal of improving safety along school routes. Examples of things these groups evaluate include: 

• • If there is a curb at the school entrances
  • If pedestrian safety lights and countdown timers are available where needed 
  • If crossing signs are in place where needed 
  • If crosswalks are easy to see and if there are flashing lights to alert drivers 
  • If safety levels would be increased with solar-powered flashing school zone and speed limit signs 
  • If speed boards or flexiposts would help slow down traffic 

You can check for these safety measures by taking a practice walk around your child’s route.