Active School Transportation
Active and Safe Routes to School is an initiative geared towards encouraging families to choose active transportation for the trip to and from school. Active transportation refers to any form of human-powered (non-motorized) travel such as walking, cycling, using a wheelchair, scooter, or skateboard. Students who are bused can also be encouraged to use active transportation to get to the bus stop. Active transportation increases physical activity, improves physical, mental and emotional health while also benefiting our environment .
The Issues
- Childhood obesity rates are increasing.
- The number of students walking to school has been steadily decreasing over the past 25 years.
- Automobile dependency is contributing to increasing greenhouse gas emissions and negatively impacting the environment across Ontario.
An Opportunity
In working together, school administrators, teachers, parents, other school board staff, public health departments and municipalities can implement an Active and Safe Routes to School Program focused on promoting active transportation. Green Communities' Canada Walks collaborates with organizations and schools across Canada to help support active school travel initiatives and manages the School Travel Planning process. The Active & Safe routes to school website contains numerous resources to support schools and communities which can be found under the useful links section found at the bottom of this page.
The Benefits
It’s Healthy!
- Active students are more alert and ready to learn
- Active kids do better in school and in life
- Active school travel is an important source of Daily Physical Activity (DPA)
- The principles outlined in Ontario’s Foundations for a Healthy School are promoted
It's Clean!
- It’s environmentally friendly and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Schools can earn points towards the Ontario EcoSchools certification
It's Safe!
- Community safety is improved by adding “eyes on the street”
- Active school travel reduces vehicular traffic and congestion around schools
It's Educational!
- Students learn about the built and natural environment through exploration
It's Fun and Easy!
- Students enjoy social time with friends and the fresh air
Featured Videos:
Watch and Learn More
Active School Travel Champion: Ecole Gron Morgan's Walking School Bus
Kids Say Walking to School is Healthy, Fun and Good for the Environment
How to Get Active on the Trip to School
Crossing Safely at Traffic Lights
October is Walk to School Month!
Useful Links
Active & Safe Routes to School
Thunder Bay Active Transportation
Thunder Bay Active Transportation Programs
Thunder Bay Health Unit: 2017 School Travel Planning Information Survey Summary Report
Thunder Bay Health Unit - Spring into Active School Travel!
EcoSuperior - Active and Safe Routes to School
Get Active Tips for 5-11 year olds
Get Active Tips for 12 - 17 year olds
More Resources
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