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Walking Buses

Walking Buses

What is a walking bus? 

A walking bus is a fun, safe, and eco-friendly way for children to travel to school. 

You go together, accompanied by parents, carers, guardians, or community volunteers.

You walk a designated route at a set time each day enjoying fresh air, exercise, and the company of friends. You might even find it frees up your time if you can share the school run with others. 

How to start a walking bus

See who’s interested

Talk to other parents, carers, or guardians and gauge enthusiasm. Once there’s interest, approach your school for support. 

Get advice and training

Contact the Transportation team or organisations such as Paths for All for advice, training and route assessment.

Build your team

You’ll need a group of dedicated adults, such as parents, carers, or community volunteers, to coordinate, promote, and keep the walking bus running.

Different types of walking buses

Volunteer accompanied walking buses

• Trained and registered with the school or a group such as Paths for All
• Routes are assessed for safety and accessibility
• Participants sign agreements
• Insured through PTA, Parent Council or school

Parent/carer accompanied walking buses

• Walk your own children and consider taking their friend
• No forms, volunteers or formal setup required

Tips for success

• Start small - gather a few families and try one safe/accessible route to school
• Get school support
• Stay positive - if someone drops out or hesitates, listen to their concerns and find solutions as a group
• Make it fun - assign older children or volunteers as helpers or conductors, hand out certificates, or issue a walking bus pass
• Spread the word - notify local media, use social channels, and celebrate successes
• Keep growing - add new routes, involve more participants, and reward efforts

Ideas to expand your walking bus

Park and stride

For families who live a distance away, set up a meeting spot like a nearby car park to allow parents to park and join the bus for the final leg. This helps with reducing car parking at the school gates, which is a safe and beneficial option for everyone.

Reflective accessories

Hand out fun reflective jackets, stickers, badges, or affordable safety gear. The Transportation team can help with this.

Celebrate success

Recognise participants in school assemblies, newsletters, or community events.

Why join a walking bus?

• Fosters friendships and builds a sense of community
• Encourages healthy habits 
• Reduces traffic and pollution around schools
• Promotes road safety awareness for children and families
• Makes walking to school inclusive and enjoyable for all

More information

• Sustrans Bike Bus to school toolkit