Active and Safe Routes to School is a set of programs and services coordinated by Green Action Centre to reverse the trend of driving children to school. Through events, school travel planning, resources, data collection, and our innovative cycling education program, we work with schools to reduce barriers to using active and sustainable school travel.
The result? Healthier and happier students, cleaner air, calmer streets, better learning, more cohesive communities, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Why Active School Travel?
Active School travel has benefits both for children and the wider community.
more safety
Active school travel saves time and money.
School Divisions / Boards: Reduced demand for school bus funding.
Schools: Reduced traffic congestion resulting in fewer staff, administrators, or volunteer hours required to monitor drop-off and pick-up zones.
Government: Fewer vehicles means less wear on roads and reduced need for vehicle infrastructure.
Being active on the way to and from school addresses physical and mental concerns for children and youth.
It’s fun, improves concentration, increases physical activity throughout the day, and contributes to the development of healthy lifestyles into adulthood.Did you know that only 9% of kids get the 60 minutes of heart-pumping physical activity they need each day? Or that Manitoba has the 2nd highest rate of Type 2 Diabetes in children in the world?
If students are walking or biking to school, there will be fewer cars on the road.
Traffic congestion will decrease during drop-off and pick-up times at schools, and our roads will be safer with lower traffic volumes.Traffic congestion is directly linked to poor air quality and increased greenhouse gasses around schools.
Foster self-esteem and curiosity.
Kids need opportunities for unsupervised ‘risky’ play. It’s essential for cognitive development, social skills, problem-solving, and more.
Create community connections.
An increased number of people walking and biking around the neighbourhood improves safety, social connectivity, and sense of community.
Projects and Programs
Here are some of our key projects and programs helping school communities get moving.
BikeWalkRoll Survey Tool
BikeWalkRoll is a 30-second survey tool to learn about how students are getting to school. Schools can use it to determine how best to encourage more families to choose healthy transportation
Walktober
Walktober is a month-long event encouraging students and families to spend time outside and be active on the way to school. We’re encouraging parents and teachers to sign-up to promote healthy living, and start conversations about the environment. Participating can be as simple as promoting walking (or wheeling or biking) through school announcements, in-class activities, planning a walk with your school or family, or coming to a Walktober event.
Bike Everywhere Month
Bike Everywhere Month is a free challenge that encourages kids to get outside and on some wheels! Whether you’re biking, using a scooter, wheelchair, or one-wheel, register your family, class, or school to start winning prizes and celebrating movement! Register as a classroom, family, or school to access our resources and to enter our prize draws. Track the number of trips you take and kilometres you travel. Plus, stay tuned for news about an in-person cycling event for kids!
Bicycle Education & Skills Training (BEST)
Cycling education for students is crucial, as most parents are themselves infrequent cyclists who may not possess the knowledge or skills needed to teach their children how “BEST” to ride on the streets of Winnipeg, or how to keep their bike maintained. Bicycle Education and Skills Training (BEST) is a multi-grade, multi-year bike education program
Bicycle Education & Skills Training (BEST)
Cycling education for students is crucial, as most parents are themselves infrequent cyclists who may not possess the knowledge or skills needed to teach their children how “BEST” to ride on the streets of Winnipeg, or how to keep their bike maintained. Bicycle Education and Skills Training (BEST) is a multi-grade, multi-year bike education program.
Impact by the Numbers
Through innovative programs and support of local champions, more kids are biking and walking to school. Here are some of our accomplishments from this past year.
Students participated in ASRTS bike and walk events
Students participated in Clean Air Day!
Workshops and presentations delivered to students, parents and teachers!
