What Schools Can Do
Schools can build healthier, happier, and more sustainable communities by making active commuting a year-round initiative!
Create Regular Themed Events
Walk and Roll Wednesdays: Dedicate one day each week to walking or biking. The class with the highest participation wins a prize!
Active Travel Months: Each season, spotlight active commuting with dedicated months like Winter Walk Month or Active Commute Month to keep motivation high.
Special Challenge Days: February Walk to School Day celebrate winter walking and show that cold weather doesn’t have to be a barrier. May Bike to School Day promote cycling safety, encourage biking, and celebrate two-wheeled commutes. Car-Free Challenge Week encourages students to skip the car and commit to walking, biking, or taking the bus for five days.
Initiate Infrastructure & Safety Plans
School Travel Plan: Collaborate with the City to map safe walking and biking routes. Install crosswalks, bike lanes, and signage to improve safety and accessibility.
Walking and Biking School Buses: Students travel together in supervised groups led by parents or teachers, making commutes safer and more social.
School Bike Parking Upgrades: Increase bike racks near school entrances and add covered parking for bad weather conditions.
Adapt to Weather Conditions
Winter Gear Support: Provide hats, gloves, or boot coupons to help students walk comfortably in colder months.
Rainy Day Plans: Set up indoor warm-up areas for students who arrive wet or cold.
Hats
Gloves
Boots
Engage Parents and the Community
Involve school council and parent-teacher groups in promoting active commuting. Partner with City education bylaw constables, bike shops and organizations to host maintenance and safety workshops. Contact local businesses and national organizations to sponsor prizes or community ride events.
Feedback
Track school-wide progress through internal communications platforms. Conduct classroom hands-up surveys to find out how students currently get to and from school. Share results with community partners to support improvements and celebrate success.
We’re piloting a year-round walking/biking school bus travel guide with a local school and intend to share it with other schools in October 2025. Stay tuned!
