Here in Sudbury, Ontario Canada we met that physical activity challenge by
approaching interested schools with plans for a launch event including a
walk to school breakfast (local "celebrities" flipped pancakes and poured
juice).  Prior to the event information on walking and safety was sent home
with children.  Police taught classes in school regarding safety and
teachers encorporated safety and health information related  to walking into
classrrom activities.  Parents were encouraged to walk to school with their
children to assess the walking route for safety and in many cases
demonstrate to parents how easy and safe it is for their children to walk to
school.  From there parents with time and interest volunteered to walk with
children to school and often picked up other neighourhood children.
We were fortunate to get great local media coverage through the  newspaper,
television and radio.
Let me know if you would like  more information.  Good luck.

Brenda S. Stankiewicz
Sudbury and District Health Unit
1300 Paris Street
Sudbury, On P3E 3A3

phone: (705) 522-9200 #267
fax:     (705)523-3622


-----Original Message-----
From: Tracy Anthony [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2000 5:49 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: The walking school bus


Can anyone help me?
I have heard of an interesting idea to get kids walking to school, its
called the "Walking School Bus".  The concept is similar to a traditional
school bus - there is a 'driver', a route, a schedule and it goes from house
to house to pick-up the kids and take them to school - however it isn't
really a bus, they all walk.
I am hoping to find out where this idea original came from, how it was
started, if it is successful, any documented health benefits to the
children, the short and long-term outcomes, any problems that have arisen
and how these have been overcome.
Any and all information is greatly appreciated.
Please email me directly.
Regards,
Tracy
*
Tracy Anthony
Health Promotion Officer,
City of Whittlesea, Australia.
Phone: (613) 9217 2357
Fax: (613) 9217 2393
Email: [log in to unmask]
Mail: Locked Bag 1
           Bundoora MDC
           Victoria,  AUSTRALIA   3083