Active and Safe Routes to school

As my son enters into his local public school this fall, parents are being introduced to the school facilities and teachers, the public health nurse and so on. Last night was a parent orientation night, and I spoke briefly on the subject of getting kids walking to school.

Background: Recently, I attended a seminar called "Walk and Bike for Life" and was truly inspired by speaker Gil Penalosa. Gil is passionate about improving quality of life through the promotion of walking and bicycling as activities, and the promotion of parks, trails and other public spaces as great places that foster healthier communities with happier residents. Check out his work here.

At the seminar he gave in Caledon, I decided that this was something I could really get behind. I soon connected with the principal of my son's soon-to-be school, and the Parks and Rec representative. We looked at maps of the area to find out potential problem areas we could take to the Town for improvement. We chatted about ways to get parents and kids involved, and how starting them at a young age with walking to school as a way of life is key.

If you are interested in walking your child to school and making your community cleaner, greener, safer, healthier and happier, then I encourage you to check out:
http://www.saferoutestoschool.ca/
I will continue to update this blog as the program gets underway and I will tell you about both the successes and obstacles I face with this project. I look forward to your support.