Promoting Active School Travel at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School

This morning, the Region of Durham in partnership with Green Communities and St. Elizabeth Senton Catholic School launched the Ontario Active School Travel project. The project’s goal is to encourage more students to walk or bike to and from school.

“Forty-five percent of our school community live within walking distance to the school,” said Principal Wheeler during an assembly. “However, more than 120 cars drop off students during a 15-minute window each morning between 7:45 am and 8:00 a.m.”

As part of the project, the school has surveyed parents and students to find out why they don’t walk or ride their bikes to school. The survey has provided the committee with lots of information – early results suggest that safety and security of bikes being stored at school, lack of time and after school programs are some of the reasons why students are being driven to school.

Two members of the school’s Student Council, Alexis and Richardo encouraged students in Grades 4 to 8 to find alternative ways to arriving to and from school. They asked students to consider walking, riding their bikes, skateboards or scooters.

Regional Chair, John Henry also advised students of the physical and mental health benefits that exercise provides, “A simple 10- or 15-minute walk to school each day can boost your overall mental health and promote active learning.”