BACKGROUND

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The Walk or Wheel! (WoW!) Program is about using “wheels” or walking to get around. Fewer single passenger car trips. Inspiring more kids to walk or bike to school where it is safe to do so. ​ With 11 local schools actively participating in the WoW! program it’s already a success. At these schools, parent-teacher organizations assign volunteers to work with students to embrace, educate and empower kids to think “Walk or Wheel!” .

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BENEFITS

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• Positively impacts kids’ well-being

• Reduces pollution

• Uses contests and incentives to encourage kids to get to school on their own.

• Reduces vehicle miles, pollution and carbon emissions

• Boosts kids’ confidence and fosters bonding with peers

• Encourages a healthy, fit lifestyle

• Reduces local school traffic, thereby improving kids’ safety

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BICYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION

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Interested in getting a class for your school. Options include:

• School Assemblies for Elementary Schools

• Hands-on Bike Rodeos for 3rd and 4th Graders

• Drive that Bike Classes for Junior High

• Raising Safe Cyclists for all Parents

​ Traffic Safe Communities Network Bicycle Safety Brochure for Parents & Students.

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STUDENT TRAVEL MODES

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GreenTown also works with the Los Altos and Cupertino School Districts to survey Los Altos/Hills’ student travel modes two times during the year: once in the Fall and once in Winter. See WoW! Survey Data – Feb 2012. Findings include:

• More WoW! students in upper grades: 40% of 6th graders; > 60% of 7th and 8th graders WoW! to school.
• Junior High Schools top the charts: 65% of Blach and 45% of Egan students.
• Elementary Schools with greater WoW! student populations have high parent involvement and active WoW! programs – Oak (42%), Springer (44%), and Almond (35%).
• Fewer WoW! students at elementary schools with attendance areas on the other side of a major thoroughfare (e.g., Foothill and El Camino).
• Oak Avenue won Greenest Elementary School 2013, Loyola won most improved.
• Blach Intermediate won Greenest Middle School 2013.

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WALKING SCHOOL BUS

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A Walking School Bus is a great way to encourage a healthy and environmentally friendly way of getting to school. This type of program is perfect for younger children who need supervision. It can be easily organized by parents and take place once a week, a couple times a week, or even everyday! Steps for Starting Simple:

1. Families in the same neighborhood decide to walk together to and from school.
2. A route is designed and tested by adults for safety. Don’t forget to record how much time the entire route takes. Refer to the list of maps above to determine the best route for your walking school bus.
3. The group decides how often to walk together. Consistant walking school buses are often the most successful.
4. Create a phone list to ensure that all children have emergency contact numbers.
5. Let the Walking School Bus begin!

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BICYCLE TRAIN

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Similar to the Walking School Bus concept, a Bicycle Train is a group of neighbors that ride their bikes together to and from school. This program involves more planning and training since children must understand bicycle safety and how to ride on a road. Basic Considerations:

• Bicycle trains are best suited for older elementary children.
• We recommend that you start out by providing your children with a basic understanding of the rules of the road and bicycle safety. Practice as a group and have several parents on hand to help demonstrate.
• Every child must wear a bicycle helmet. Check to make sure that your child’s bicycle is working properly and is an appropriate size.
• More adult supervision is needed than for Walking School Buses. Consider having one adult for every three to six children.

See the Safe Routes to School Resources: Bicycle Trains for an example of steps to implementing a bicycle train in your neighborhood.

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