Skip to content

Safer routes to school

Over the past ten years, the number of children walking to school has halved, while the number being driven to school has doubled.

This has resulted in increased levels of congestion, pollution, parking and safety problems near schools, as well as having long-term implications for pupils’ health as a result of the reduced amount of exercise.

Safer Routes to Schools aims to encourage children to walk or cycle to school, by improving the safety of pedestrian and cycle routes.

A Safer Route scheme can take many forms and can include traffic calming, improved crossing facilities, cycle storage, cycle paths and help setting up a Walking Bus.

In order to plan a Safer Routes scheme, we ask pupils what improvements would help them to walk or cycle. A detailed Safer Routes scheme is designed, taking into account the views expressed by the pupils. These steps often lead to the creation of School Travel Plans.

Walking bus

A walking bus is a group, or ‘bus’ of children and adults who walk from home to school each day.

The group moves quickly and safely under the guidance of trained adults. All children and adults on the bus wear bright reflective jackets for safety.

Warwickshire County Council will provide full training for volunteers, all equipment including reflective jackets and any other help you need to get your walking bus up and running.

Why have one?

Schools may wish to set up a walking bus because of:

  • Problems with vehicle parking at the school gates;
  • Congestion problems in the area of the school;
  • Health promotion and healthy lifestyle initiatives;
  • Environmental concern.

Walking Bus leaflet (pdf, 176Kb)

6 reasons to start a walking bus

  1. Regular Exercise
    Just a 15 minute journey to school can contribute to half the recommended exercise for children.
  2. The social scene
    The walk gives children a chance to talk with friends before school. Adults aren’t the only ones who like to chat!
  3. Easy breathing
    Research has shown that short car journeys expose children to more air pollution than if they walk.
  4. Road safety awareness
    Children can learn pedestrian skills, so when they are old enough to walk on their own they will be equipped to deal with traffic and roads. Find out more about road safety education.
  5. Safety as a group
    Being part of a large group means children and adults are more visible to others. Bright, reflective, clothing ensures all are visible to traffic.
  6. Environment
    Every journey made on foot helps reduce the amount of traffic around school, improving the environment for everyone.