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Getting started <br />A walking school bus can be an informal effort begun by a few parents in one neighborhood. For a school -wide <br />program, however, it is important to designate a coordinator. In some cases a dedicated volunteer coordinator <br />can be successful, but schools may want this to be a paid position to ensure consistency and reliability. The <br />walking school bus coordinator can begin by assessing both resources (such as parent volunteers) and <br />interest. A school -wide survey (paper and/or electronic) distributed to parents can help to identify interested <br />households and volunteers. <br />Timing/Frequency <br />Ideally, a walking school bus or bike train program should run every day so families can count on it. However, <br />it is possible to start small by selecting one or two days per week, and/or by targeting specific neighborhoods <br />(e.g. a housing development close to the school) as a way to begin developing the program. You might even <br />start with a special one-time walking school bus, such as for International Walk (and Roll) to School day in <br />October. Some programs operate in the morning only, since children have after-school programs or go <br />somewhere other than their home after school, or may not have a parent waiting for them at home. <br />Designating Routes and Stops <br />Walking routes should be sited on streets with complete pedestrian facilities, prioritizing safe crossings and <br />lower traffic speeds and volumes, as well as low crime streets. <br />In many cases, these streets will also provide the best route for bicycle trains, although coordinators should <br />also identify dedicated bicycle facilities that may lead to the school. Stops may either be at each child's house <br />(which is more convenient for parents but may take longer) or at gathering points (e.g. one meeting place per <br />block, as well as gathering spaces at parks). Including at least one "stop" with parking facilities is also a good <br />way to increase participation for families who may live far from the school but can drop off children to join the <br />walk. Finalized routes and stop locations should be mapped out for parent and volunteer reference. <br />Wilshire Park Elementary School Safe Routes to School Plan 123 <br />