The walking bus – an introduction

A ‘Walking Bus’ is a fun, safe and active way for children to travel to and from school. A group of children are escorted by registered adults along a pre-defined route, with the adults acting as a ‘driver’ at the front and a ‘conductor’ at the back. The children are collected, or dropped off at ‘bus stops’ along the route at agreed times. Parents are an important part of the walking bus, working on a rota to help supervise the bus.

The scheme has many benefits including:

  • Promoting healthy exercise
  • Developing pedestrian and social skills
  • Giving children independence whilst in a safe environment
  • Reducing traffic around schools
  • Improving attendance and punctuality
  • Saving time for parents
Safety

All children and volunteers are required to wear high-visibility waistcoats at all times on the journey.

Road safety training will be given to all those involved.

There will be a minimum of two adults per route, with a strict adult: child ratio.

The route will be checked by Swindon Borough Council staff to ensure it is safe.

Every volunteer is required to have a Police check.

All parents are required to sign a consent form before their child may take part in the Walking Bus.

All children must agree to behave in a sensible manner, or risk losing their place on the bus.

The Walking Bus will operate every day planned, whatever the weather. It will operate to a strict timetable, not waiting for latecomers in the mornings, even if certain children are expected to travel. It is the parent’s responsibility to wait with their child until the arrival of the bus so no child is left unattended. Each route will keep a register of children who are expected each day. For an afternoon bus this will ensure no-one is left behind. Parents should be at ‘bus stops’ in plenty of time to collect children from afternoon buses.

The Walking Bus is an ideal way to reduce congestion around the school gate. Parents who need to travel greater distances could drive to a suitable pre-arranged ‘bus stop’ and continue their journey, for example to work, once the Walking Bus has collected their child.

If your school takes part in Feet First, children on the Walking Bus can claim their credits on their card.