Kids in Canada “are getting a D” when it comes to optimum physical health, said Lisa Gallant.
And with school just around the corner, the health promoter hopes students will walk or bike around that corner this year, she told the Thorold News.
Through the Active School Travel program (AST), Gallant and her team at the Niagara Region’s Public Health unit provide support to principals and parents who want their children to make that healthy leap.
Niagara Student Transportation Services (NSTS) assistant director Rob Berketo added, “It’s a voluntary program, so we’re there to help encourage kids to walk to school in groups.”
Partnering with the Niagara Region Public Health (NRPH), NSTS supports the 22,500 students who live within the school walk zones by offering AST programs.
Monsignor Clancy, Prince of Wales, and Richmond Street Schools in Thorold have all reaped success through the program. Gallant hopes the others will consider signing up as well.
One mom said that since her children and schoolmates have formed their walking route, they’re forging new friendships, learning to organize, gaining independence, building confidence, and unwinding while getting exercise and fresh air. Screen time is decreased, and the kids are enjoying daily adventures while encountering nature and becoming more aware of their community. Physical activity through walking supports healthy brain development and improved attention during the school day.
For younger kids, in particular, “It’s great for families to walk, or ride their bikes together.”
Gallant has heard from parents who walk with their kids that it becomes quality one-on-one time; a positive bonding way to start the day.
“Some parents say, ‘My kid will never be up on time,’ so it’s all about building up to it,” advised Gallant, “and making a habit out of it, so it transfers into adulthood. Walking becomes part of your day.”
“With the resources we have,” the program is limited to elementary schools, she said, but hopefully, “As kids graduate, they will take that (fitness habit) with them to high school.”
The goal is to increase physical fitness, but also, independence. Enlisting Grade 7 and 8 students to help run the program enhances leadership skills.
‘Home Alone’ courses are available for older students to fill the gap between the time they reach home and their parents arrive from work. Visit http://canadasafetycouncil.org/home-alone-course-locations/?
According to the Social Media Toolkit—Promoting Active School Travel—“Evidence shows that children are far more likely to be harmed in the car while driving to school, compared to walking to school.”
The toolkit also disputes “stranger danger,” saying, “In contrast, families and neighbours walking to school can actually help build a stronger sense of community and improve the overall safety of the neighbourhood.”
Gallant noted that “Kids are concerned about the environment, as well. You see congestion when a lot of parents are driving their kids and that makes it less safe for students.”
She said the program has received positive response from principals, “especially from a congestion point of view. We’re respectful that they have many competing priorities. We find it helps when the parents are involved.”
The program was launched as a pilot project in 2014, she explained, “with a few schools, to make sure we saw results. We saw a five to 10 per cent shift (to active travel) and thought that was enough to continue. Now we have 21 schools out of 150” in Niagara schools participating.
“The program involves a walking audit and walkabout, where we engage people from the municipality and walk a route to see if there are any barriers. We’ve been very intentional to make sure there’s readiness from the school and the municipality. In Thorold, the city has been very involved.”
Many schools host Walk-to-School Days, and October is Walk to School Month.
“This year, we want to encourage all 150 schools to set a Walk to School Day in October,” she said, which “gives everyone a chance to try it out. We have kids skateboarding, scootering, wheeling; whatever.”
Gallant said that TATAC (Thorold Active Transportation Advisory Committee) has been very supportive, and Heart Niagara offers a bike rodeo in Thorold. CAA also partners by providing bikes at the rodeo for those who don’t have them. Bikes are also available through Bike Me Up Niagara and at Broken Spoke.
NSTS has information for parents to support their child’s active travel to school or to the bus stop at www.nsts.ca
To learn more about how to bring AST programs to your school, email [email protected]
