SD46 GoActive Travel
GoActive Travel is a 2-week spring and fall campaign supported with prizes, tracking and encouragement by school PACs and the local non-profit Transportation Choices group. Students are encouraged to participate and get entered to win draw prizes (helmets, lights, bells and more).
For the past 3 years SD46 has supported students and staff participating in Active Travel to and from school. Students benefit in multiple ways through their participation walking, rolling or riding to school. For those with limited access to paths, trails or sidewalks – we encourage families to consider a Drive-to-5 option where parents park a 5-minute walk from school and then join their children for a short walk to and from school. We highlight that students in Grade 3 or under should travel to and from school with adult supervision.
Health research demonstrates significant physical, mental and emotional well-being is enhanced through student participation. Students learn to navigate their community, enjoy time outside with friends enroute and develop a sense of physical stamina. In 2019, SD46 published Best Routes to Schools Maps with helpful tips and safe route suggestions and are available for families to download at 8 elementary schools on the coast (https://sd46.bc.ca/families-and-students/active-travel/).
SD46 has worked closely with Vancouver Coastal Health, local government and other agencies to identify ways to enhance safety at key intersections, crosswalks and highway locations near schools. This year District of Sechelt is installing a pedestrian controlled flashing beacon near Kinnikinnick Elementary (at Reef Road and Marine Way) with support from a grant sourced by SD46. SD46 is also completing installation of additional bike racks to support parking for 200 bikes across the district.
SD46 will be hosting ICBC and RCMP supported Road Safety Blitzes at several schools in late May to remind drivers to maintain posted speeds in school zones and be extra cautious for all the active travellers outside before and after school hours.