The Active & Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) partnership has developed the ‘Active School Travel (AST) Safety Presentation’ for use within elementary schools to work towards the goal of increasing children’s safety on their journey to and from school. Safety skills and practices relating to walking, cycling and riding the
School wayfinding signs indicate directions, walking and cycling travel times from different points in the surrounding neighbourhood to the school. These signs are placed on selected routes that have high-volume foot and vehicle traffic for more exposure.
The Active & Safe Routes to School program is primarily a parent-driven program but there are many opportunities for the involvement of students through classroom activities that link to the new Ontario Curriculum. As well, other school related groups and users can be engaged in the program, e.g. Environmental Clubs,
Morning announcements are a great way to encourage students and staff to use active modes of travel and learn about the benefits of doing so. Get students involved and help build excitement around iWalk by sharing these announcements with your school community.
Are there other schools in your neighbourhood or does your school have a sister school? School challenges are a good and friendly way to encourage students to walk, bike, or roll to school or school bus stop. Consider having an award for the winning school such as the infamous “Golden
School Assemblies are a great way to spread the word about your school’s iWalk events. Get students and staff involved in the planning and promotion with these fun school assembly ideas.
Looking for a great way to build excitement around iWalk events within your school community, check out Ontario Active School Travel’s Posters and Stickers. Click here
Ask your ASRTS representative about access to a large iWalk banner for your school to colour. This banner can be hung up in the school or used for photo-ops on iWalk day. Download (pdf)
Check out the videos featuring submissions from students at Sir Arthur Currie P.S., Wilberforce P.S., and Princess Elizabeth P.S from the 2018-2019 story contest. A video of Maham’s Walking to School Short Story sharing the benefits of walking, and wheeling to school or the bus stop. A video featuring artwork,
Morning announcements are a great way to share the Active School Travel Story Contest with students, and staff. Get students involved and help build excitement around clean modes of travel by sharing these announcements with your school community. Active School Travel Story Contest Announcements (PDF)