Participating schools announced for Active School Travel Pilot Program

BySharan Gopalan

The Province, in partnership with BC Healthy Communities Society, has selected 11 schools to participate in a pilot project designed to increase the number of students using active transportation between home and school. The Active School Travel Pilot Program supports goals set out in the Province’s CleanBC plan, as well as Move. Commute. Connect. – B.C.’s strategy for cleaner, more active transportation. The outcomes of this pilot project will inform future initiatives to increase walking and cycling to school for students and their families.

Participating Schools:
  • Bella Bella Community school (Heiltsuk Nation)
  • J.N. Burnett Secondary (Richmond – SD 38)
  • Sir William Van Horne Elementary (Vancouver – SD 39)
  • Langdale Elementary (Gibsons – SD 46)
  • Sir Alexander Mackenzie school (Hagensborg – SD 49)
  • St. Patrick Regional school (Vancouver – CISVA)
  • Sangster Elementary school (Colwood – SD 62)
  • Cumberland Community school (Cumberland – SD 71)
  • Sir James Douglas Elementary school (Victoria – SD 61)
  • Muheim Memorial Elementary (Smithers – SD 54)
  • Fort St James Secondary (Nechako Lakes – SD 91)

“This is an exciting program that will help students be physically active at the start and finish of their school day,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Our government is proud to work collaboratively with communities to break down barriers and support more students and their families to walk, wheel, cycle or skateboard to school and back safely.”

Active commuting allows students to spend more time outside, improving their mental and physical health, while staying connected with their community. It also lessens traffic congestion around schools, which further supports student safety and reduces the carbon footprint.

The Active School Travel Pilot Program will provide funding, information and resources to participating schools to support activities, such as:

  • regular events and incentives to increase regular walking and biking to school;
  • assessments, e.g., mapping the best route to school;
  • skill-building opportunities for students and parents;
  • expansion of the School Streets project to reduce traffic volume around schools;
  • incentive programs;
  • loaner bikes, scooters and skateboards for students; and
  • amenities and infrastructure improvements, including bike racks and improved signage.

“Given the current restrictions and closures, finding opportunities for school-age children to be active has never been more challenging,” said Jodi Mucha, executive director, BC Healthy Communities Society. “We’re elated that we were able to work together with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to launch the Active School Travel Pilot Program during the 2020-21 school year. Building physical activity into the journey to and from school offers students and their families a chance to be physically active in a way that ensures safe physical distancing.”

Learn More:

Active School Travel Pilot Program

Move. Commute. Connect., B.C.’s Active Transportation Strategy: www.gov.bc.ca/active-transportation

CleanBC: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/