Walking school buses

There is strong evidence that walking school buses (WSBs) increase instances of walking to school^{2, 3, 4, 5} and physical activity for participating students^{2, 4}, although increases in physical activity vary widely³.

WSBs can increase participants’ overall moderate to vigorous physical activity levels⁴ and help them continue to be physically active as they get older⁶. Interventions that encourage active transportation to school, such as WSBs, have been shown to improve many health and fitness outcomes, including weight status/body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular fitness and flexibility, for children and adolescents^{7, 8}. Research also suggests that time spent outside (e.g., walking to school) is beneficial for cognitive development and academic performance⁴. WSBs can encourage positive social interaction between participants of all ages and may increase children’s road safety skills⁴.

District policies and state laws supporting safe, active routes to school have been associated with an increased likelihood that elementary schools will implement WSB programs⁹. A program coordinator, especially paid, can increase program effectiveness through outreach to parents, management of walking routes, rosters, and volunteers, partnership with community organizations to emphasize safe streets, and donation and incentive coordination⁴. In programs without coordinators, maintaining volunteer interest and support beyond the initial phase of a WSB program can be a challenge to sustainability, especially for schools in low income areas and areas with poor walking infrastructure^{10, 11, 12}. Additional research is needed on how to successfully develop incentives for WSBs and integrate programs into school transportation plans¹³.

Some researchers suggest that GPS tracking in smartphones can monitor the walking school bus en route, which may help alleviate parental concerns about safety⁴. A Belgium-based study suggests that designated drop-off locations can encourage participation of children who live farther from school¹⁴. A Buffalo-based study suggests WSBs are feasible in low density, suburban neighborhoods as long as enough students participate and programs proactively address parents’ concerns about safety¹³.

Walking school bus programs appear to be generally well-received in communities. New Zealand-based surveys, for example, suggest parent coordinators value the sense of community created by WSBs as well as the exercise and other potential health benefits¹⁵.

Replacing automotive trips with biking and walking can reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and emissions at relatively low cost, although the long-term effect on traffic reduction is likely minor^{4, 16, 17}. 

Walking school buses (WSB) may be implemented by schools, community organizations, and government entities, often through partnerships. In Alabama, the state’s first daily WSB was started at Fairhope Elementary School in Fairhope by school staff in collaboration with Baldwin County Trailblazers, a non-profit devoted to improving walking and biking opportunities in the county, with additional support from the City of Fairhope; the WSB program has a director and multiple program coordinators^{18, 19}. East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation started a WSB at one of their mixed-income, affordable family and senior housing complexes in Oakland, CA²⁰.

State and local governments can support WSB programs alongside community partners. The New Jersey Department of Transportation supports the New Jersey Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Resource Center, which provides resources for WSBs, including SRTS Regional Coordinators offering free technical assistance to create WSB and SRTS programs throughout the state²¹. Portland - East End Community School’s WSB program is maintained by a WSB coordinator at the school with support from the Portland Bureau of Transportation^{22, 23}. The Napa County Office of Education in California sponsors a WSB that features a Stop and Walk program which allows students who live at a distance to join a WSB at a set, safe meeting place along the route²⁴.

The Safe Routes to School National Partnership features a WSB toolkit for educators, parents, and community members to use to establish WSBs lead by adult volunteers²⁵.