School Active Travel Program

Programs

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  School Travel Planning

  Each year, we engage with 3 to 6 elementary and secondary schools to identify and address barriers to active school travel.

  Through School Travel Planning, we assist with data collection, provide infrastructure improvements and support, and create personalized action plans collaboratively with participating schools and stakeholders.

  You can also email us for inquiries related to safety and spot improvements at schools.

  Learn more about the program

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  School Streets

  A School Street is a car-free block beside a school open to walking, biking, and rolling during pick-up and drop-off (30 to 60 minutes) on school days. 

  A total of 12 Vancouver schools have participated in the School Streets Program to date. The program has been shown to improve safety around schools and encourage more students to use active transportation (walking, biking, and rolling) to and from school. 

  Learn more about the program

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  School Active Travel Education 

  Walking and cycling education

  Each year, grade 6 and 7 students receive active travel education through our support of the Ride the Road education course offered by HUB Cycling. The course is delivered at up to 37 schools annually, making the program available to all grade 6 and 7 students in Vancouver public schools over each 2-year period.

  Ride the Road course overview:

  • Four one-hour units taught to grade 6 and 7 students
  • Units teach students walking and cycling safety theory and on-bike skills, which are then applied in a culminating group ride around the neighbourhood
  • Helmets and bicycles, including adaptive bicycles, are provided for students who do not have their own
  • Lessons are taught by HUB Cycling’s team of certified instructors

  Courses are offered each year in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). 

  Learn more about the course, and register your school’s interest to participate External website, opens in new tab

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  Walk Bike Roll Mini Grants

  Annual Walk Bike Roll Mini Grants of up to $500 are available to Vancouver public elementary and secondary schools through the School Active Travel Program.

  Grants support projects and activities that encourage and promote students walking, biking, or rolling to school. 

  Since 2018, we have supported 91 school projects, impacting nearly 14,000 students. 

  Learn more about the program

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  Walking School Bus

  A Walking School Bus (WSB) is an organized group of students who walk to school together with the support of adult leaders.

  Kid Commute

  A Walking School Bus initiative was developed by TransLink and Urban Systems as part of the TravelSmart4Kids: TransLink's Regional Travel Strategy for kids 12 and under External website, opens in new tab.

  The program is being delivered by the Society for Children and Youth of BC. Since 2021, 7 elementary schools have participated in Vancouver. 

  Learn more about the program

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  Other programs

  School Slow Zones on Arterials Pilot

  In March 2023, we launched a pilot to reduce speeds on arterial and collector streets in 9 school zones. If you live in an affected school zone, you can display a School Slow Zone sign next to your property to encourage drivers to slow down around schools.

  Learn more about the program

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  Bike to School Week

  Bike to School Week is an annual celebration run by the non-profit HUB Cycling where students of all ages are encouraged to walk, bike, or roll to school.

  Learn more about Bike to School Week External website, opens in new tab

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  Mobi Youth Community Pass program

  In fall 2022, we partnered with Mobi by Rogers and the Vancouver School Board (VSB) to pilot a bike share program to offer the Youth Community Pass External website, opens in new tab to all Britannia Secondary School students.

  Through this program, students are eligible to purchase a discounted annual pass for $20, with the potential for additional financial assistance, to encourage active travel and make biking more accessible and affordable. 

  Because of the pilot’s success, we expanded the program in spring 2024 to 3 additional secondary schools:

  • Templeton Secondary School
  • Kitsilano Secondary School
  • King George Secondary School

  This expansion was made possible thanks to the Active Communities Grant Program External website, opens in new tab through BC Alliance for Healthy Living (BCAHL), supported by the Province of BC. 

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  Grandma on the Move

  We partnered with award-winning children’s entertainers Will Stroet of Will's Jams and the enduring Charlotte Diamond to inspire safe, courteous, and mindful road behaviour – especially for our most vulnerable and at-risk groups.

  Learn more and download the helpful resources