Walking School Bus

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

Save Gas and Burn Calories

A walking school bus is good for the children and the environment. Childhood obesity is steadily rising in many countries around the world. Walking instead of riding a bus can help children get more of the exercise recommended each day. School buses not only burn fuel, but traffic delayed behind them at each stop also burns more fuel than they would if not stopped. Carpools and parents dropping off children at school also cause traffic delays around schools and burn more fuel.

Walking Safely to School

Even where there are safe sidewalks and quiet streets, many parents are afraid to let their children walk to school because of stranger danger. A walking school bus includes adults who supervise the children, cautioning them to obey pedestrian rules, cross streets safely, and not interact with strangers along the way.

Organizing a Walking School Bus

Some school districts assist parents in organizing walking school bus programs. Ask at your school to see if they have a program or materials to assist in organizing a walking school bus. If no program exists, use the Walking School Bus guide at Safe Routes to School for instructions on how to organize one yourself. Reach out to neighbors and friends in the interest of your children.