Family ActivitiesThe Walking School BusParent volunteers take
turns walking children to school.
Walk a BlockParents and children can park their cars safely in a
legal parking spot away from the school and then walk the remaining
blocks to school.
Classroom ActivitiesRiskWatchAn injury prevention resource for
elementary school teachers that meets curriculum guidelines for JK
to Grade 3. Topics include: motor vehicle safety, bike and
pedestrian safety and
more.www.toronto.ca/fire/riskwatch/index.htm
TD ThinkFirst For KidsA school-based curriculum program for
children in JK to Grade 8 from Parachute Leaders in Injury
Prevention. It teaches children how to think first and play safely
to prevent brain and spinal cord injuries.
www.parachutecanada.org
Walk Safely Peer Leadership ProgramThis program offers students
in Grades 5 and up training in leadership skills. Students are
involved in identifying issues, planning, and promoting active
transportation initiatives for their school.
PH1207GB119
School Zone ActivitiesNeighbourhood WalkaboutParents and school
staff learn about and address traffic and personal safety concerns
with Toronto Transportation Services and Toronto Parking
Enforcement Officers.
No Idling at SchoolDid you know that cars are prohibited from
idling for more than one minute? Schools can participate in an
initiative that helps schools create Idle Free Zones around their
property.
Want more information about active school
transportation?Contact Toronto Health Connection at
416-338-7600
International Walk to School Week (IWALK):
www.iwalktoschool.org
Active & Safe Routes to School:
www.saferoutestoschool.ca
Toronto Public Health: www.toronto.ca/healthGo to the A-Z index
and click on P for physical activity and/or I for injury
prevention.
Why walk to school?For many parents, driving their children to
school seems like the safest, most convenient option. Yet car
travel is linked to more traffic collisions, less physical
activity, and more greenhouse gas emissions leading to declining
air quality.
Did you know that of Canadian children and youth: only 1/3 walk
or cycle to school over 60% spend their free time being inactive,
which is harmful to their health over 25% are overweight they are
more at risk for the health effects of poor air quality due to car
emissions
Walking to school can increase physical activity reduce stress
teach safety skills save money make our streets safer and
cleaner
Walk to school. Its fun and its free!
How can schools promote active transportation?
A Community ApproachActive Transportation for School-Age
Children is a program involving families, schools and communities.
This approach will help increase physical activity levels and
ensure childrens safety when travelling to school.Toronto Public
Health, Toronto Transportation Services, Toronto Police Service and
Green Communities Canada offer support. Together, a 4Es approach is
taken: Engineering: Toronto Transportation Services investigates
traffic and parking conditions on the streets surrounding schools.
Enforcement: Toronto Police Service determines when enforcement is
required to address school site traffic and pedestrian safety.
EducationandEncouragement: Toronto Public Health staff provide
information and support to students, teachers and parents on
initiatives focusing on safe and active school transportation.
There are many activities that your school can do to promote
active school transportation
School ActivitiesInternational Walk to School Month or IWALK
OctoberSupport your school to promote walking for one day, one week
or for the entire month.
iCANwalk to SchoolCan You? PledgeEncourage your school to make a
commitment to active transportation throughout the year by taking
the pledge! Register on the Active & Safe Routes to School
website, record your activities, and be eligible for great
prizes.www.saferoutestoschool.ca
Cross Canada ChallengeUsing the Cross Canada Walking Challenge
map, students chart the kilometres they walk to school. Children
who are bused to school can participate through other school
initiatives promoting active transportation.
The IWALK ClubEncourage your school to start a walking club that
supports students and their families to walk to school regularly.
Schools can register at the Active & Safe Routes to School
website.www.saferoutestoschool.ca
Walking, Wheeling WednesdaysSchools can schedule this activity
to take place on a monthly basis or more frequently (weekly,
bi-weekly).
Walking BuddiesThis is an opportunity for older students (Grade
5 and up) to walk to school with their friends.