Since 2008, Safe Routes to School Tampa Bay has provided pedestrian and bicycle safety programs for over 35 participating schools in Tampa, Florida. The program has been highly successful with school participation, school district support, parent trainings, and support from transportation agencies county-wide. Staff created ways for a more sustainable “walking school bus” program for at-risk communities. A “walking school bus” is a parent led walking group to and from school.
Typically a walking group should have two adults for every six to eight students; each volunteer walking leader is trained before officially walking a student group to and from school. Staff focused on creating stronger community partnerships and building parent/volunteer participation and leadership.
Other program elements include:
Left to right: Broward Elementary School students finished their walking parade to school with prize bags donated by St. Joseph’s Children’s Health & Safety Center; Some students arrive on foot and some arrive on bike at Summerfield Crossings Elementary; Pride Elementary School students walking and biking through a beautiful sunrise were rewarded with some neon sunglasses, donated by AdventHealth Tampa.