Walking school buses
Start or join a walking school bus and contribute to a calmer traffic environment, healthier children and less car emissions around schools.
A walking school bus means that families take turns following their own and other children to and from school. For example, if five families in a residential area participate, each family can be responsible for one day a week.
Many benefits
This is an example of how small means can achieve big changes, with benefits for both children and parents.
- Many children find that going to school has become even more fun and are in a hurry to get to the collection point where their friends are waiting.
- It becomes more time-efficient when families share drop-off and pick-up, which reduces morning stress.
- It is a good way to contribute to a calmer traffic environment, healthier children and less car exhaust around schools.
- Children learn to stay in traffic and develop good movement and travel habits.
- The camaraderie at schools improves when children get to know friends of different ages.
Set clear rules
- Talk to other parents and children and see if there is interest.
- Start with small goals, some days are better than none at all.
- Make a schedule for the entire semester with times and who is responsible for which day. Also make sure everyone's phone numbers are included.
- Decide if you want a common meeting place as a "stop" or if boarding will take place along the way.
- Decide what applies if someone gets sick, both for the parent and the child.
Bicycle or public transportation
A walking school bus also works for cycling, where children simply cycle in a group with one or more adults leading them.
Corresponding organized carpooling trips can also be made using public transport.
Parents' responsibility
Schools can encourage carpooling, but it is most common for parents to organize themselves, for example via groups on social media or via parents' associations. Parents have the main responsibility for travelling school buses.
Want to know more? The Stockholm City Transport Office provides information about opportunities and good examples, supports and provides tools such as maps and leaflets.