“Walking School Bus” Volunteers Needed
19 February, 2007
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Brisbane City Council’s successful ‘Active School Travel’ (AST) program is calling for parent volunteers to help out with the Walking School Bus, Environment and Sustainability Chair Helen Abrahams said.
“A ‘Walking School Bus’ (WSB) is a group of children who walk together to or from school along a set route at designated stops – it is very similar to a normal bus route,” Cr Abrahams said.
“The children are dressed brightly, they walk with a trained and approved Walk Leader, and most importantly the route is checked for traffic hazards.
“Safety on the bus is very important.
“This is the perfect chance for parents to join in, get fit and meet other parents.
“The children really enjoy themselves on the bus. They learn how to safely cross roads and they get some of the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
“Parents who would like to help out can contact their school principal. They will receive training, rewards and regular coffee mornings.
Recent surveys of Queensland Primary schools by Brisbane City Council indicate that 80% of children are driven to school every morning.
The Active School Travel program aims to reduce congestion around selected schools by encouraging families to walk, ride, car pool or use public transport to get to school.
Last year’s success stories include Graceville State School, which recorded an overall reduction of 30% in car use.
Nashville State School recorded an overall reduction of 12%, and 60% of school children rode or walked to school everyday.
The following schools are 2007 participants:
Algester State School
Bald Hills State School
Cannon Hill State School
Macgregor State School
Manly West State School
Moorooka State School
Newmarket State School
Norman Park State School
Seven Hills State School
St Josephs, Bardon
St Stephens, Algester
West End State School
Whites Hill State School