Some elementary school students in Guelph are reaping the benefits of a pilot project that offers a safe, supervised walk to and from school each day.
The Walking School Bus (WSB) currently services three schools: Holy Trinity and Ken Danby in east Guelph and Mitchell Woods on the west side.
Supervisors walk the same route each day, with students knowing what time they will be at a predetermined meeting spot at the end of area streets, joining other students for the walk to school
There are currently just under 80 students of all ages taking part of the WSB, with some of the routes at capacity. It is hoped the program will eventually expand to other areas of the city.
"The purpose is to get more kids active, give them an opportunity to walk in groups, give them an outside opportunity, plus ease congestion around the schools at drop-off and pick-up times," said Darren Gowing, operations manager with STWDSTS.
He adds getting children more active is the prime goal, but there are other benefits, including increased socialization, meeting new friends, and in some cases improving a child's attendance.
It can also be a huge convenience for working parents, knowing their children are getting to school on time in a supervised manner.
"It's a great option for them. They know they are with a group and they're with leaders who are taking their kids to school," Gowing said.
The service, which is free and covers routes up to 1.5 km away from the school, is proving quite popular.
"There's a lot of kids on a waiting list, so obviously parents are really into this project and they want to see it become sustainable," said said Diana Sabti, student travel coordinator with STWDSTS.
"They wanted more of this," Sabti said of parent feedback. "Who doesn't want their kid to participate in walking in the morning? It's great for you, it's great for your brain development and you get to make a whole bunch of new friends."
The pilot project is funded by a grant from Green Communities Canada and the province, plus matching funds from school boards, the city and Service de transport de Wellington-Dufferin Student Transportation Services (STWDSTS), the group that looks after the transportation needs of both local school boards.
It started last spring at one school, Mitchell Woods, and has now expanded to three schools.
Gowing said the pilot project ends after this school year but it is hoped that the program will continue and expand.
"That's what we'd like to see," Gowing said. "We're not sure if there's any more grant money or where we can go in the future with it, but we're looking at options.
"There are other areas within our jurisdiction that could really use this set-up. There's quite a bit of demand."
Walking School Bus supervisors are paid and trained. Several are parents in the area and others are university students.
Other municipalities are trying different models, including volunteer supervisors for the walks to school.
Anyone wishing to register their child on one of the current routes can do so here.
