Getting To School on a Foot-Powered Bus

Walk To School Day Encourages OCPS Students to Skip the Bus

Forty-five years ago, nearly 48% of all students in the U.S. walked to school. Thanks in part by the proliferation of automobiles and school bus service not required if students live within 2 miles of the school, the number has dropped closer to 13%, according to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Let’s welcome the Walking School Bus – on a mission in Orange County to get kids moving by making walking to school safe and fun.  So far, nine OCPS schools have active Walking School Busses and this foot-powered momentum continues to gain traction.  International Walk to School Day was no exception – Lakemont Elementary is a noted example.  Check out the photos.

So, what is a walking school bus? It’s like a carpool, except kids and parents walk. There is a planned route with a parent “driver” and designated days – from every Wednesday to every month, depending on the parental involvement. There are rules, such as being on time, staying on the sidewalk, and only crossing within the crosswalks.  It’s a time to remind kids about pedestrian safety and builds what BFF calls “street smarts” to help kids maintain a healthy connection to the outdoors.

If you are interested in starting a Walking School Bus at your school, please contact [email protected].