9 November 2005

Walking school buses pave success

Walking to school has quickly become the norm for over 1,500 children and is set to continue as more walking school buses are introduced across the city.

Working in partnership with local schools, Auckland City has established 75 walking school buses with around 1,500 students participating.

"With around 40 per cent of traffic congestion during the morning and afternoon peaks attributed to taking children to and from school, the walking buses notably reduce this figure," says Councillor Richard Simpson, Transport and Urban Linkages Committee chairperson.

"Walking school buses contribute significantly to meeting our road safety goals, as they allow for the supervised walking of children along dedicated routes. Children are also learning sound road safety skills, being more active and develop a greater community spirit," says Mr Simpson.

Recently introduced walking school buses include: * Blockhouse Bay Primary, one walking school bus of 30 children * Glen Innes Primary, three walking school buses involving 120 children * Wesley Primary School, three walking school buses involving 138 children.

"We will continue to work with schools across the city to grow the number of walking school buses, and we appreciate the continued support of parent volunteers. It is their involvement that makes this programme successful," says Mr Simpson.

"We are working to create an environment where it's safe and feasible for children to walk to school."

Auckland City currently provides schools with a start-up kit, training and demonstrations on how to run the programme, as well as necessary roading infrastructure.

The infrastructure for the walking school bus routes is prioritised after identifying hazards and barriers along the walking school bus route.

ENDS

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