Safe and Active Travel to Schools
Background
- School Active Travel Planning (SATP): The School Active Travel Planning program is a partnership between the city and the school district and is a direct outcome of the City's Transportation 2040 Plan. The goals of this program are to improve walking and cycling infrastructure around schools and increase education and awareness around active transportation. Further information on the program, including the reports and action plans from the schools that have participated to date, can be found on the program website.
- School Traffic Working Group (STWG): The School Traffic Working Group meets regularly to discuss traffic safety issues that particularly impact students and parents or exist near school grounds. This is an opportunity to bring together information and develop solutions to a range of potential challenges. Topics discussed can include issues around parking, signage, congestion, pedestrian visibility, lighting, intersection configuration, vehicle speed, pick up and drop off, driver behaviour, and crosswalks. Items for review can be brought forward from the school community to the school principal who can then relay the message to the VSB planning team. The VSB planning teams leads the STWG, and brings forward agenda items for discussion with the group.
- School Safety Patrol Program: In partnership with the VSB, members of the Vancouver Police Department's Community Road and Education Safety Team (CREST) assist in training, monitoring, and supporting this student-based program that assists thousands of students and adults to safely cross intersections on their way to and from school every day.
- Bicycle safety training for grades K-7. This is offered by staff with VPD CREST. Talks will cover the basics on basic rules / regulations, equipment and tips on to navigate cycling through the city safely. Presentations are around 20 minutes and can be booked by contacting crest@vpd.ca
- Pedestrian Safety talks are also available upon request, also through VPD CREST. To book, please contact crest@vpd.ca
Additional Resources Related to Traffic Safety and Active Travel