What is a ‘Walking School Bus’?
The Walking School Bus is a fun, safe and active way for children to travel to and from school with adult supervision. Each bus walks along a set route with at least one adult ‘driver’, picking children up at designated stops and walking them to school. The process is reversed in the afternoons.
What are the benefits of having a Walking School Bus?
- Extra time for parents, for example, if there are enough volunteers then for 1 day’s commitment to the Walking School Bus you are free of picking up and dropping off children the other 4 days
- Reduced chaos and traffic congestion around schools (better for safety and the environment).
- Healthier, more active children.
- Increased independence for children.
- Opportunities for children to learn about road safety from a pedestrian’s point of view.
- Safety from ‘stranger danger’.
- Provides social opportunities for children and parents.
- Helps to create closer and friendlier communities.
A letter of information for your employer is available from the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA).
What age can children walk on the bus?
The Walking School Bus is for primary school children and is popular with the 5-8 year age group. Children this age lack the necessary road safety skills and are at greater risk of being injured crossing the road alone.
Older children can be encouraged to use the bus by giving them responsibilities, for example, watching for ‘sneaky driveways’, or looking after younger children. The school can support and encourage older children to do this by rewarding them, for example, house points.
What about safety?
The Walking School Bus route undergoes a safety audit to identify and rectify any hazards along the way such as: overgrown vegetation blocking visibility; broken footpaths. A Road Safety Co-ordinator is always available for support and guidance, and the Police Education Officers are available to walk the route with the bus to answer any safety questions. Walking School Bus Road Safety Guidelines are also included in the resource kit.
Defining Walking School Bus procedures for your school and putting in place some common sense road safety practices, will help volunteers feel comfortable with their role as supervisors, and ensure children are as safe as possible. It is recommended that a consent form similar to the one in the resource pack be used.
Does the bus have to operate twice a day, five days a week?
Not necessarily. Some buses start with only morning usage while others have started with only 3-day use.
I am a working parent, so how can the Walking School Bus work for me?
When the responsibility of getting children to and from school is shared amongst a group of parents it can lead to more free time for everyone. For example if there are enough volunteers then for 1 day’s commitment to the Walking School Bus and maybe starting work late, you are free of picking up and dropping off children the other 4 days (you are also free to work up the time you owe from the day you started late).
Does the Walking School Bus have to operate in wet weather?
Funding is provided to purchase wet weather clothing for the children and parents on the bus. Wet days are when the congestion at the school gate is at its worst, therefore everyone benefits if the Walking School Bus operates. However, it is the group of parents who operate the bus that decide whether or not to operate in wet weather.
How do we apply for the funding?
Infrastructure Auckland operates a grant scheme of $1500 per route. Contact your local Road Safety Co-ordinator who will support and guide you through the steps to set up a Walking School Bus. An additional $1500 is available for large buses with over 30 ‘passengers’.
How long can the bus route be?
There are no restrictions on how long the route must be. Most routes are around 1 kilometre.
How many children and adults can be on a Walking School Bus?
The recommended ratio is 1 adult to 8 children. Preschool children who are walking are included in the ratio. Preschool children in pushchairs are not.
Who initially organises and operates the Walking School Bus?
It is essential to have an enthusiastic parent who will take on the roll of ‘Parent Co-ordinator’. A teacher may also take on this role. Your local Road Safety Co-ordinator is available for support and guidance.
How successful are Walking School Buses?
The concept is popular in North Shore City and a large number of schools operate Walking School Buses. The most successful schools have a committed Parent Co-ordinator and an actively supportive school.
Is there any other support available from North Shore City Council?
Yes. North Shore City Council’s support includes:
- Walking School Bus Network Meetings for Parent Co-ordinators once a term. These have proven to be an effective way to support and help new parents to establish walking school buses.
- Police Education Officers are available to walk the routes with parents to answer questions on safety issues.
- A North Shore Walking School Bus newsletter promotes pedestrian safety to all walking school buses, and keeps volunteers and schools up to date with Walking School Bus issues.
- Walking School Bus ’bus-stop’ signage is provided by North Shore City Council.
- Health & Safety workshops are run annually in conjunction with the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA). These workshops cover OSH requirements for volunteers.
- Road safety workshops are run annually in conjunction with the Police Education Officers. These workshops are targeted at walking with a group of children.
Where do I find out about walking school bus routes in my area?
Visit our Walking School Bus Route Maps page.
How do we start a Walking School Bus?
For more information, please contact Actionline, phone (09) 486 8600 or email actionline@northshorecity.govt.nz, and ask to speak with our road safety co-ordinator for walking school buses.