1. ALABAMA WALK Featuring THE WALKING SCHOOL BUS Program Guide Neighborhood School

2. WHAT IS THE WALKING SCHOOL BUS? A component of the Alabama Safe Routes to School Program Conducted by trained volunteers who serve as escorts A method of promoting highway safety and physical fitness Students join as walkers pass their home

3. WHO NEEDS A WALKING SCHOOL BUS? Neighborhood schools where a majority of the students walk. Neighborhood schools with a high percentage of students who are driving within a two mile radius Neighborhood schools prone to high crime/high vehicle crash statistics

4. BENEFITS Alternative Travel Mode A Good Physical Activity Reduces Traffic Congestion Reduces Traffic Accidents Teaches Pedestrian Safety Skills Introduces Outdoors And Nature

5. GETTING THE WHEELS ROLLING Meet with School Representatives Give brief explanation of the program Conduct neighborhood safety surveys and audits Distribute promotional and educational material

6. POTENTIAL GOALS Increase the number of students walking Increase physical fitness of area students Raise community awareness Reduce unlawful behavior Making necessary highway safety improvements Tie to other neighborhood safety initiatives

7. GETTING THE WORD OUT ABOUT SRTS Identify and validate community SRTS problems Create/distribute a promotional flyer Find a community SRTS champion Prepare brief introductory Get SRTS message on local agency agendas Appoint a work team Organize community meetings with target audience

8. THE FIRST SRTS MEETING AGENDA Working team introduction How the program works Overview of problems Questions/Answers Preview neighborhood street maps Identify safety improvements Recruit volunteers to sign up Hold subsequent meetings as necessary

9. SRTS WALKING BUS DRIVERS TRAINING Route Identification Location/type of improvements Avoid busy intersections Use of residential streets Learn/Teach basic pedestrian Rules of the Road Use of scenic and educational points Interaction with law enforcement

10. DEVELOPING NEIGHBORHOOD ROUTE OWNERSHIP Conduct a naming the route contest Install signs designating the Route Distribute goal oriented flyer, brochures/bookmarks Secure promotional sponsors Get Bus Driver safety clothing and equipment

11. SAMPLE ROTATION SCHEDULE FORM Walking School Bus Group Name: ____________________________________ Months/Year: ________________________ Group Leader: _______________________ Agency: _____________________ DateMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday AM: Volunteer PM: Volunteer AM: Volunteer PM: Volunteer AM: Volunteer PM: Volunteer AM: Volunteer PM: Volunteer AM: Volunteer PM: Volunteer AM: PM: AM: PM: AM: PM: AM: PM: AM: PM: AM: PM: AM: PM: AM: PM: AM: PM: AM: PM: AM: PM: AM: PM: AM: PM: AM: PM: AM: PM:

12. NEIGHBORHOOD PARTICIPATION AWARD REWARDING COMMUNITY EFFORTS

13. LETS GET ROLLING AND HAVE A GREAT YEAR! Neighborhood School