Walking Bus

A walking bus is a group of children who walk together supervised by adults. Like a school bus, the group picks up children at stops along the way to school, sports or other activities. The walk is made safer by the presence of trusted adults. The children may also bike in a bicycle train supervised by adults.

Organize a Walking Bus

While some school districts have organized walking bus programs, parents also organize their own walking bus. Parents can look within their own neighborhood for other families who can join together for the walking bus. Pick a safe route that includes sidewalks separate from the roadway and safe crossings. Decide how often the walking bus will walk together. Set up a rotation of adults who will walk with the walking bus. use the Walking School Bus guide at Safe Routes to School for instructions on how to organize one.

How Many Adults Needed for the Walking Bus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend one adult for every six children in a walking group. If children are age 10 or older, fewer adults may be needed. If children are ages 4 to 6, one adult per three children is recommended.

Train Children for Walking Safety

By practicing walking safety in the walking school bus, children will learn good safety habits. Use the Walking School Bus Guidelines for talking to children about pedestrian safety.