Created by: The Cedar Rapids Walking School Bus Committee

 A Walking School Bus is a group of children walking to and/or from school with two or more adults  VIDEO VIDEO

 Promotes a healthy lifestyle  Teaches traffic safety  Increases self confidence and a sense of responsibility  Improves learning  Develops social skills  Instills a sense of community  Reduces traffic congestion  Creates a cleaner environment  FUN!!!

 Participants register for the WSB  Two or more trained adult volunteers “drive” the bus  Routes are set on commonly used paths to school  Routes include one or more designated stops where students may join the bus  Bus driver tracks attendance

 A WSB is one of the programs that may be implemented at a school to help become a designated Blue Zones School®  Promotes Blue Zones Power 9® principles ◦ Move naturally ◦ Sense of Purpose ◦ Social Connectedness  WSB Committee ◦ Useful resource to assist with starting a WSB

 Assemble committee  Identify routes  Determine schedule  Register participants  Recruit & train volunteers

 Cedar Rapids Walking School Bus Committee  Start planning early  Contact the city Public Works Department for route concerns/hazards  Reach out to community-based groups for volunteers/assistance  Market your program to both students and their parents  Educate the parents of benefits of WSB ◦ Parents are in routine of driving their children to school **

 Recruit committee members who are committed and enthusiastic  Provide incentives for participants  Reward and recognize volunteers  Schedule local “celebrities” to walk with the bus  Evaluate your program to identify potential improvements  MAKE IT FUN!!!

 Contact Cedar Rapids WSB Committee ◦ Co-Chairs  Karla Underwood   Cari Pauli 