1	Walking School Bus
2	Program Objectives INCREASE daily physical activity for children and adults safety for pedestrians in the neighborhood community cohesion by helping neighbors get to know one another DECREASE traffic and idling in and around the neighborhood and school to improve air quality crime when more people are outside keeping an eye on their neighborhood
3	What’s a Walking School Bus? an adult 'driver' at the front an adult 'conductor or caboose' bringing up the rear children walk to school in a group along a set route pick up additional 'passengers' at specific 'bus-stops' along the way
4	Buses are different! bus may run rain or shine some buses operate only on certain days other buses operate only in morning or afternoon buses are designed to suit each school or neighborhood everyone wears a reflective jacket
5	Kids on the Bus chat with their friends are more ready to learn when they arrive at school learn valuable road safety skills gain some independence
6	Parents on the bus become the eyes of the neighborhood identify problem intersections provide safety for bus walkers
7	Community and the bus reduces auto traffic near schools during drop-off and pick-up times reduced traffic improves air quality parents & students work together
8	Healthy lifestyles on the bus encourages healthy exercise habits
9	Getting results on the bus ½ hour walking/day cuts the risk of heart disease by ½ reduces risk of cancers, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis & improves mental health experts recommend physical activity for at least half an hour a day for at least 5 days a week 1 mile walk to school and back takes ½ hour and burns 150 calories walking 10,000 steps a day is equal to a 5 mile stretch
10	How do we get started? Talk with local coordinators to design your walking school bus program Implement the program in your school Fill out one simple annual evaluation Reflective vests are provided free of charge by
11