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Walking School Bus Information

This workshop provides information on starting a walking school bus program for schools. Presented to PTA groups, school staff meetings, and parent groups, it includes a program handbook, sample forms, video, and training materials. Learn the benefits of a walking school bus and how to get it rolling in your school.

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Walking School Bus Information

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  1. Walking School Bus Information Kristi Nalls St. Joseph’s Children’s Wellness and Safety CenterSchool Transportation Working Group November 15, 2017

  2. Walking School Bus Workshop • For individual schools who are curious on how a walking school bus program could work for them • Presented to PTA groups, school staff meetings, other parent groups • Includes: • Program Handbook • Sample Forms • Video • Training Power Point

  3. Florida Safe Routes to SchoolWalking School Bus Program Volunteer Workshop

  4. A group of children walking to/from school with adult supervision (parents or volunteers) Parents and volunteers are trained Does not replace or change traditional school bus routes Can operate monthly, weekly, or more often WSBs vary in structure and formality What is a Walking School Bus?

  5. Types of Walking School Buses • Informal vs. Formal • Families walking together (same neighborhood) • Adult walk leaders meet children at group meeting spots • Families meet at designated area (drop off/pick up) • Trained adult volunteers stop at participating child’s home on planned route. * All Walking School Buses need a designated route and adequate adult supervision. Participants should have an understanding of safe pedestrian behaviors.

  6. Walking School Bus Benefits • Social • Economic • Environmental • Safety • Academic • Physical • Life-long good habits

  7. Getting the WSB rolling Each WSB will be unique depending on the needs of the children, parents, school, and surrounding environment. • Before starting a WSB, it is essential to identify whether it is possible to have one at the school. • Depends on interest/support for program, traffic and walking conditions, distance from school, school administration, etc. • Form a Team (committee of interested persons) • Develop policies, map routes, recruit/train volunteers, etc. • Determine which type of WSB is feasible for the school

  8. Getting the WSB rolling 2. Determine interest and support (families, school, etc.) • Once you’ve decided as WSB is possible, must determine if there is interest in participating. • PTA support 3. Plan the Route • Identify potential routes • Walk and Assess routes • Do you have room to walk? Are there good sidewalks? • Is it easy to cross the street? Are there crossing guards? • Is traffic a problem? • Is there a safe meeting spot for students who live more than a mile from school? 4. Determine the Schedule • Will you walk daily, weekly, monthly? Before and after school? • Will the bus pick-up children at their house or will there be a meeting spot? (church, park, etc)

  9. Getting the WSB rolling 5. Communicate with Families (recruit participants) • Where/when WSB will begin, the route map, policies, etc. 6. Train Volunteers • Hold a kick-off meeting before your first walk. • Review walking safety practices, the walking route, and the rules with each driver. 7. Plan Kickoff Event • Plan a Walk to School Day. • Collect parent permission and student pledge forms. • Promote the event. • Publicize the event on the school’s marquee, morning announcements, website, and in the newsletter. • Hang banners or flyers

  10. Some Safety Rules • Walk, do not run • Use sidewalks/side paths when possible • Watch for vehicles pulling out of/turning into driveways/streets • Look Left-then Right-then Left again, and keep looking while crossing the street • Obey traffic signs and signals • Be aware of visual barriers that may block your view • Follow the instructions of the adult volunteer • Pay attention and do not be distracted.

  11. Policies/Procedures to Consider • Volunteer policy • Tracking policy • Late policy • Absence • Cancellation • Weather • Communication (parents, school, volunteers) • Injuries • Behavioral Issues

  12. Hold special events or theme days. Reward frequent walkers with small incentives. Invite local “celebrities” to walk. Keep the routes safe and up to date. Conduct regular walks to identify areas for improvement. Recognize volunteers with certificates or awards. Keep it Moving!

  13. Resources Florida Safe Routes to School Walking School Bus Project – Program info and sample forms http://safety.hhp.ufl.edu Florida’s Pedestrian and Bicycling Safety Resource Center http://www.pedbikesrc.ce.ufl.edu/pedbike/default.asp National Center for Safe Routes to School http://saferoutesinfo.org Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/ Safe Routes to School National Partnership http://saferoutespartnership.org/ Safe Routes to School Walking School Bus Information http://guide.saferoutesinfo.org/walking_school_bus/ Safe Routes to School Walking School Bus Guide http://guide.saferoutesinfo.org/walking_school_bus/pdf/wsb_guide.pdf Safe Routes to School Guide: Teaching Children to Walk Safely http://guide.saferoutesinfo.org/graduated_walking/pdf/TeachingChildrenToWalkSafely.pdf Safe Routes to School Walkability Checklist – How walkable is your community? http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/sites/default/files/walkabilitychecklist.pdf Walk/Bike to School Day http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/ http://www.iwalktoschool.org/ Walking School Bus Training Modules http://apps.saferoutesinfo.org/training/walking_school_bus/modules.cfm Incentives Program www.Fitnessfinders.com http://www.fitnessfinders.net/SearchResults.asp?Search=walking+school+bus&Submit=Search http://www.fitnessfinders.net/SearchResults.asp?Search=chains&Submit=Search

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