Walk away from traffic congestion

At least a few times a year I receive calls from schools that are dealing with traffic congestion in front of their school. Sometimes it’s caused by construction, sometimes it’s because of the size or layout of the parking lot, but whatever the reason, it creates a challenge for parents and staff alike.

Every school is different, so I understand there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but I want to share a possible solution and invite you to suggest others.

I had a conversation yesterday about this very topic—the school has a number of students who are bussed, but about 200 to 300 who aren’t. It sounds like many of the students who aren’t bussed are being dropped off by parents—imagine the cars! The driveway is small and the road the school is on doesn’t have parking. On my way home, I started to brainstorm solutions—I recalled an initiative I heard about that helped parents and students walk away from traffic congestion (pun intended).

A number of years ago, Morton Way Public School in Brampton was receiving a lot of attention for its walking school bus. The initiative involves a group of students who walk to school together, picking up more students on the way. I believe some parents also walk with the students. The students and parents then meet afterschool and walk home together too.

To me, this sounds like an ideal initiative for a school council to explore. The great thing is, there are resources available to help you through Active and Safe Routes to School. Here’s the link to the Walking School Bus page: http://www.saferoutestoschool.ca/oldsite/walkingschoolbus.html

Walking is great exercise, fresh air is good for you, you’ll save money on gas, you won’t have to deal with annoying traffic challenges, you and your child may make new friends...these are just some of the reasons I like this idea.

Now—like I mentioned—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so please don’t think I’m trying to over-simplify the traffic situation you may be dealing with. I just wanted put this out there for you to consider.

Share your thoughts please!

Alison