What is a walking school bus? 

A walking school bus is a group of children walking to school with one or more adults. If that sounds simple, it is, and that’s part of the beauty of the walking school bus. It can be as informal as two families taking turns walking their children to school. It could also be as structured as a route with meeting points, a timetable and a regularly rotated schedule of trained volunteers. 

It’s like a carpool—without the car—with the added benefits of exercise and visits with friends and neighbors. For an informal bus:

1. Invite families who live nearby to walk.
2. Pick a route and take a test walk.
3. Decide how often the group will walk together.
4. Have fun!

How do I start? 

First, determine the amount of interest in a walking school bus program. Contact potential participants and partners:

• Parents and children
• Principal and school officials
• Law enforcement officers
• Other community leaders

Second, identify the route(s).

• The amount of interest will determine the number of walking routes.
• Walk the route(s) without children first.

When picking a route, ask these questions: 

1. Do you have room to walk? 
2. Is there sidewalks and paths? 
3. Is there too much traffic? 
4. Is it easy to cross the street - are there crossing guards in the area? 
5. Do drivers behave well? 
6. Does the environment feel safe? 

Third, identify a sufficient number of adults to supervise walkers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend one adult for every six children. If children are age 10 or older, fewer adults may be needed. If children are ages 4 to 6, one adult per three children is recommended.

Next, finalize the logistical details.

• Who will participate?
• How often will the walking school bus operate? Will the bus operate once a week or every day?
• When do children meet the bus? It’s important to allow enough time for the slower pace of children, but also to ensure that everyone arrives at school on time.
• Where will the bus meet children—at each child’s home or at a few meeting spots?
• Will the bus operate after school?
• What training do volunteers need?
• What safety training do children need? 

You can find some helpful resources to help plan your walking school bus here. 

You can download Safe Routes to Starting a Walking School Bus: The Basics flyer here. 

Finally, kick-off the program.

A good time to begin is on International Walk to School Day. Walk and look for ways to encourage more children and families to be involved. Have fun!