Family ActivitiesThe Walking School BusParent volunteers take turns walking children to school.

Walk a BlockParents and children can park their cars safely in a legal parking spot away from the school and then walk the remaining blocks to school.

Classroom ActivitiesRiskWatchAn injury prevention resource for elementary school teachers that meets curriculum guidelines for JK to Grade 3. Topics include: motor vehicle safety, bike and pedestrian safety and more.www.toronto.ca/fire/riskwatch/index.htm

TD ThinkFirst For KidsA school-based curriculum program for children in JK to Grade 8 from Parachute Leaders in Injury Prevention. It teaches children how to think first and play safely to prevent brain and spinal cord injuries. www.parachutecanada.org

Walk Safely Peer Leadership ProgramThis program offers students in Grades 5 and up training in leadership skills. Students are involved in identifying issues, planning, and promoting active transportation initiatives for their school.

PH1207GB119

School Zone ActivitiesNeighbourhood WalkaboutParents and school staff learn about and address traffic and personal safety concerns with Toronto Transportation Services and Toronto Parking Enforcement Officers.

No Idling at SchoolDid you know that cars are prohibited from idling for more than one minute? Schools can participate in an initiative that helps schools create Idle Free Zones around their property.

Want more information about active school

transportation?Contact Toronto Health Connection at 416-338-7600

International Walk to School Week (IWALK): www.iwalktoschool.org

Active & Safe Routes to School: www.saferoutestoschool.ca

Toronto Public Health: www.toronto.ca/healthGo to the A-Z index and click on P for physical activity and/or I for injury prevention.

Why walk to school?For many parents, driving their children to school seems like the safest, most convenient option. Yet car travel is linked to more traffic collisions, less physical activity, and more greenhouse gas emissions leading to declining air quality.

Did you know that of Canadian children and youth: only 1/3 walk or cycle to school over 60% spend their free time being inactive, which is harmful to their health over 25% are overweight they are more at risk for the health effects of poor air quality due to car emissions

Walking to school can increase physical activity reduce stress teach safety skills save money make our streets safer and cleaner

Walk to school. Its fun and its free!

How can schools promote active transportation?

A Community ApproachActive Transportation for School-Age Children is a program involving families, schools and communities. This approach will help increase physical activity levels and ensure childrens safety when travelling to school.Toronto Public Health, Toronto Transportation Services, Toronto Police Service and Green Communities Canada offer support. Together, a 4Es approach is taken: Engineering: Toronto Transportation Services investigates traffic and parking conditions on the streets surrounding schools. Enforcement: Toronto Police Service determines when enforcement is required to address school site traffic and pedestrian safety. EducationandEncouragement: Toronto Public Health staff provide information and support to students, teachers and parents on initiatives focusing on safe and active school transportation.

There are many activities that your school can do to promote active school transportation

School ActivitiesInternational Walk to School Month or IWALK OctoberSupport your school to promote walking for one day, one week or for the entire month.

iCANwalk to SchoolCan You? PledgeEncourage your school to make a commitment to active transportation throughout the year by taking the pledge! Register on the Active & Safe Routes to School website, record your activities, and be eligible for great prizes.www.saferoutestoschool.ca

Cross Canada ChallengeUsing the Cross Canada Walking Challenge map, students chart the kilometres they walk to school. Children who are bused to school can participate through other school initiatives promoting active transportation.

The IWALK ClubEncourage your school to start a walking club that supports students and their families to walk to school regularly. Schools can register at the Active & Safe Routes to School website.www.saferoutestoschool.ca

Walking, Wheeling WednesdaysSchools can schedule this activity to take place on a monthly basis or more frequently (weekly, bi-weekly).

Walking BuddiesThis is an opportunity for older students (Grade 5 and up) to walk to school with their friends.