To help cut down on road traffic, Wellesley Public School would like to increase its foot traffic. Walking is a great source of exercise, it cuts down on pollution, and is an awesome way for students to meet friends, which is why the school held its first Wellesley Walks to School week!

The Canadian Cancer Society came to the school and gave them a 3-day trial of the Trottibus, or also known as The Walking School Bus. The Cancer Society runs the program and is made possible with financial backing from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

With one volunteer up front and another following, this program allows students to get fresh air and walk to school in a safe manner. Like a school bus, this ‘walking school bus’ gives families the peace of mind that their children will get to school and have assistance if problems arise. This program will also create a sense of community in the rapidly growing Wellesley area.

Thanks to the four volunteers and 20 students who were able to participate in the trial, the school was able to get two of the three potential routes up and running.

Wellesley PS has set out a few goals for their 2016-17 walk to school plan:

  • to have three routes up and running Fall 2016
  • to operate the program Monday to Friday, mornings only
  • to run the program from October to June, rain or shine
  • to recruit additional full- and part-time volunteers

A big shoutout to all the volunteers, staff, students and families who participated in this exciting, and hopefully permanent program! Thank you to the New Hamburg Independent (Wellesley adopts “Trottibus” program to help kids walk to class) and Woolwich Observer (Walking school bus heads to Wellesley PS) for covering this great initiative.

 

Thanks to all the people who helped make the 'walking school bus' a success.

Thanks to all the people who helped make the ‘walking school bus’ a success.