Discover how much fun walking to school can be!
It’s easy to hop in the car to take the kids to school, but there are so many other ways they can get to class, like walking, wheeling with an assistive mobility device, cycling, scootering, rollerblading, skateboarding – the list goes on! Not only will this help foster a healthier lifestyle for everyone, but making the switch can also help improve road safety in our community. Are you up for the challenge?
Today, Mayor Steven Del Duca and students from St. Veronica Elementary School and Fossil Hill Public School took this challenge in recognition of International Walk to School Month (IWALK). They were joined by staff from the City of Vaughan, York Catholic District School Board and York Region District School Board on their walk to school.
The City has proclaimed October International Walk to School Month to further promote the Active School Travel Program, which encourages any form of human-powered travel to get to and from school. In collaboration with York Region, local school boards, Public Health and York Regional Police, the Active School Travel Program is available at the following four locations across the city:
- Fossil Hill Public School
- Mackenzie Glen Public School
- St. Veronica Catholic Elementary School
- Teston Village Public School
The program is designed to:
- build lifelong habits of active and independent mobility.
- educate and raise awareness among the community, especially students, about the benefits of active and sustainable travel.
- encourage students to reap the benefits of Active School Travel while having fun.
- enhance road safety and help manage vehicle congestion around school zones.
- improve students’ physical and mental health, social development and academic performance.
- improve air quality in school zones by reducing pollution and greenhouse gases made by vehicles.
- raise awareness of road safety being a shared value and responsibility.
Road safety is a leading priority for the City of Vaughan – especially when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable road users. To keep students, parents and guardians safe, traffic calming measures have been implemented and enhanced to promote school zone safety. Traffic calming can include radar message boards, flexi posts, road safety silhouettes, wayfinding signage and enhanced school zone pavement markings, among others. Additionally, all school zones in Vaughan have been designated Community Safety Zones under the Community Safety Zones Policy (PDF).
To learn more about the City’s Active School Travel program, visit vaughan.ca/ActiveSchoolTravel.
QUOTE
“In Vaughan, we’re committed to promoting active and accessible travel to school. Staying active is essential for the health and well-being of our youth. This morning, I walked with students and parents in celebration of International Walk to School Month in October, encouraging everyone to embrace healthier, active habits. Our Active School Travel Program helps reduce car congestion, improve safety, and foster healthier lifestyles.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
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