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 11 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. 

  Applications are open for our 2024 School Streets Program. Submit an Expression of Interest form Word file (198 KB) by November 10 to be considered for the program.

  Learn more about the program and how to get involved

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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.

  Key dates for 2023 to 2024 Mini-Grants:

  • Applications open: September 25, 2023
  • Application deadline: November 3, 2023
  • Project delivery: January 1 to June 14, 2024

  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 1 or more adult leaders.

  In partnership with the Vancouver School Board and TransLink we piloted Kid Commute: A Walking School Bus Program at 3 elementary schools in the 2021-2022 school year. 

  In 2023, we re-launched this program in partnership with Translink and the Society for Children and Youth of BC (SCY).

  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 Community Pass program

  We have partnered with Mobi by Shaw Go to pilot a one-year program to offer the Community Pass External website, opens in new tab to all Britannia Secondary School students.

  Through this pilot, students are eligible to purchase a discounted annual pass for $20 to encourage active travel and to make biking more accessible and affordable. 

  Information icon We are currently exploring ways to expand this program. 

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  Keep Cool Theatre Show

  "Keep Cool" is a 45-minute educational theatre show for the whole school delivered by DreamRider Productions External website, opens in new tab. The show inspires kids to become climate and active transportation superheroes. Each year, a number of schools receive this show.

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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