‘Walking’ school bus a tradition

Hundreds of Dunsborough Primary School students took part in the Walking School Bus November 16, following routes put in place 10 years ago.

The quarterly event allows a safe, enjoyable walk to school for groups of students who form a walking “bus” with volunteer parents leading each of them.

DPS sustainability leader Helena Nicholson said the initiative had run for 10 years and aimed to improve health and wellbeing while contributing to sustainable travel practices. “A large proportion of the students walking weren’t even born when the initiative began but it is now a regular part of our school culture and families look forward to participating each term,” she said. More than 100 walkers participate each year, learning about how to improve their day-to-day wellbeing while pursuing sustainable transport practices.

“Walking school buses encourage active transport, lower car emissions and reduce traffic congestion around and assist in Road Safety Pedestrian education.”

“Whole school events such as this empower our community and have a positive effect on the students and the families involved.”