Active school travel
Ontario Active School Travel encourages kids to walk, bike, scooter or skateboard to school or to the bus instead of being driven. Niagara Region Public Health works with Niagara Student Transportation Services to support elementary schools across Niagara in making active travel a safe, everyday habit.
Benefits
Healthier students
Regular moderate physical activity supports healthy weight, cardiovascular health, brain development, mental wellbeing and academic performance.
Healthier communities
Fewer cars at drop-off reduces vehicle emissions and improves air quality, supporting Ontario's greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Safer school zones
Less traffic at bell times means safer drop-off zones. Better walking and cycling routes improve safety and quality of life for the whole community.
Campaigns throughout the year
Schools across Niagara participate in province-wide active travel campaigns each school year.
Winter Walk Day
February
A day to celebrate staying active outdoors in winter. Schools mark the day with creative events that get kids moving — and warm — while still choosing active travel.
Spring into Spring
April
As the weather improves, schools organize events to welcome spring by encouraging students to walk to school and spend more time outdoors. Aligns with National Wildlife Week and Earth Day.
Bike Week and Bike Month
May to June
Schools organize activities in and out of the classroom to get students cycling, including community bike days and bike safety training.
IWalk Campaign
October
International Walk to School Month, also known as (Walk)tober. IWalk Day falls on the first Wednesday of October. Schools across Ontario celebrate walking as the main way to get to school all month long.