Starting a Walking School Bus: A Volunteer Guide to Safer Routes to School

As spring arrives and mornings brighten, many families start thinking about walking to school instead of driving. Walking gives kids fresh air, exercise and a chance to wake up before class. It also reduces traffic around school entrances, which can make the whole area safer. But many parents worry about busy streets, tricky intersections or simply finding the time to walk every day.

A walking school bus solves many of those problems. It is a group of children walking to school together with one or more adult volunteers, following a set route with “stops” along the way, just like a regular bus. Families can take turns leading, so no one has to walk every day. This guide explains how to start one.

Step 1: Gauge Interest

Start by finding out whether other families want to participate. A few ways to ask:

• Talk to neighbors with kids at the same school.
• Ask the school’s parent organization to share a short survey or announcement.
• Post a note in a neighborhood email list or group chat.

Ask families where they live, which days they would join and whether an adult could take a turn leading. Even three or four families is enough to start.

Step 2: Talk to the School

Before launching, contact the school principal or office. Many schools welcome walking programs, and some may already have one. Ask about:

• School policies on walking programs and adult volunteers
• Any requirements for volunteer background checks
• The best drop-off spot and arrival time for walkers
• Whether crossing guards are posted at nearby intersections
• Whether the school can help share information with families

Step 3: Map and Test the Route

Choose a route that is as safe and direct as possible. Walk it yourself, ideally at the same time of day the group will walk, and look for:

• Continuous sidewalks in good condition
• Safe places to cross streets, ideally with crosswalks, signals or crossing guards
• Good visibility at intersections and driveways
• Places where traffic moves fast or drivers turn without looking
• Construction zones, overgrown hedges or other obstacles

Time the walk at a child’s pace. Then mark “stops” along the route where kids will join the group, such as a corner, a house or a mailbox. Set a pickup time for each stop.

If you find hazards like missing curb ramps, broken sidewalks or faded crosswalks, report them through 311 where available or your city or town’s service request system.

Step 4: Recruit and Prepare Adult Leaders

A walking school bus needs reliable adults. Some guidelines:

• Aim for at least one adult for every six younger children, with more adults for kindergarten and early grades.
• Create a rotating schedule so each adult leads on certain days.
• Make sure leaders know the route, the stops and the safety rules.
• Share contact information among leaders and families.
• Have a backup plan when a leader is sick or unavailable.

Step 5: Set Clear Safety Rules

Go over these rules with kids before the first walk, and review them often:

1. Stay with the group and walk, do not run.
2. Walk on the sidewalk, away from the curb.
3. Stop at every curb and driveway and wait for the leader.
4. Cross only at corners or crosswalks, with the leader’s signal.
5. Look left, right and left again, and listen for traffic before crossing.
6. Keep hands to yourself and listen to the adult leaders.
7. Put phones and games away while walking.

Leaders should walk at the front and back of the group when there are two adults, and wear bright or reflective vests or clothing.

Step 6: Set Up Simple Logistics

A few tools make the program run smoothly:

• A sign-up form with each child’s name, grade, stop, parent contact information and any important notes.
• A leader schedule shared with all families.
• A group chat or email list for updates, such as weather changes or a missing leader.
• A check-in list leaders use to confirm which kids joined and that everyone arrived at school.
• A weather plan deciding when walks are canceled, such as heavy rain, lightning or icy sidewalks.

Step 7: Launch and Celebrate

Pick a kickoff day and make it fun. Invite families to walk together, take a group photo and give kids a small sticker or certificate. Some groups name their walking bus or create a simple sign for each stop. Celebrate milestones, like the first full month of walking.

Make It Inclusive

Every child who wants to walk should be able to join. Consider:

• Including routes or stops for families in apartment buildings and different parts of the neighborhood.
• Adjusting pace for younger kids or children with disabilities.
• Translating sign-up forms and messages into languages families speak.
• Offering a “park and walk” option where families who live far away can drive to a meeting point and walk the last few blocks.

Keep It Going

A walking school bus can start small, perhaps just one or two days a week, and grow from there. Check in with families and leaders each month, adjust the route as needed and thank volunteers often. Over time, the walking bus becomes more than a way to get to school. It becomes a daily tradition that connects kids, parents and neighbors and makes streets safer for everyone.