What communities are walking school buses most successful in?
Walking school buses can work well in many communities, particularly in urban areas. However, they are most successful when caregivers are involved and committed to their success, and where schools are strong champions of the initiative. Other factors ensuring high levels of sustained use are the involvement of road safety coordinators; proactive methods to sustain the volunteer base and maintain enthusiasm; and the participation of young children up to the age of eight. Experience has showed that older children are less interested in taking part in the walking school bus. Walking school buses appear to be less successful when children travel long distances to school (eg rural schools, private schools with a large catchment area). Some rural schools are located on busy highways without footpaths and so it’s not safe to encourage the children to walk to school. Or many of the students are bussed to the school and traffic congestion can be less of a problem.
