Safer routes to school

What is a Walking Bus?

 It comprises of two or more volunteer parents, 'driving' and 'conducting' a line of school children, to and maybe from school. Powered by good old-fashioned legwork, it follows a set route and timetable, collecting and depositing pupils at 'bus stops' along the way.  Everyone wears a highly visible and reflective jacket to stand out to drivers.  

How can a Walking Bus help me?

 You probably take your child to and from school every day.  By joining a Walking Bus you could just escort your child and others only once a week.  This will save you time, effort and petrol.  It will also help reduce the amount of traffic congestion clogging up the streets around the school.  Walking buses are fun to be involved with.  They give children exercise, teach them vital road safety skills and help them play a part in improving the local environment.  

How does a Walking Bus work?

 All volunteers have a police check and the Borough and County Councils provide support, training and a route assessment.  The bus operates to strict guidelines, which limit the adult to child ratio to 1:8 for junior and 1:4 for infant school pupils.

What are the benefits of a Walking Bus?

It Saves Time

By working in a rota parents save time and have fewer school trips as other people escort their children to school when they are not volunteering.  This enables working parents to get to work earlier and those with younger children will have a less stressful start to the day.

It's Safe

Children learn good road sense.

It's Healthy

It encourages children to start the walking habit that will hopefully stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Pupils' general fitness is improved through daily exercise.
Children use up excess energy before lessons start which makes children more alert and receptive to learning.
It promotes social development and independence.

It's Green

It provides an environmentally friendly way for children to travel to school.
It encourages walking, which in turn reduces traffic and fumes near the school.

It's Fun

Children and parents have fun and make new friends!  

Contact Information

For further information about the Walking Bus scheme please visit East Sussex County Council's website or call their School Travel Team on 01273 481542.

Alternatively, speak to your schools headteacher - they may be looking for volunteers!