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Walk & Wheel to School

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Schools are busy places, especially at the beginning and end of the school day.

Help your children get started on the right foot - encourage them to walk or bike to school when possible. Even leaving the car a block or two and walking the rest of the way helps.

It’s safe, good for the environment and your health, and teaches your child independence and community awareness.

Top Reaso​ns for Students to Walk or Ride to School

  • Safer school zones – reducing traffic volumes at bell times creates safer school zones for all students

  • Better academic performance – Exercise helps students learn and perform better at school

  • Fresh air has a positive impact on mood

  • Less traffic and cleaner environment – reducing the number of children being driven to school improves air quality and reduces associated risks of lung and cardiovascular diseases

  • Builds independence and self-confidence  

  • Community awareness – know the neighbours, friends and parents

HDSB Schools Walk and Wheel

Walking and wheeling to school often takes less time than you think! The map below will help estimate the time it would take to walk or cycle to school. Select your school name and choose your mode of transportation - walk or cycle. The map can help plan daily trips to the school by active transportation or even help with finding locations to park that are a five minute walk from the school.​

​​S​​afety Tips for Walking and Riding  

  • Map out and review walking/biking route to school with your child, identify streets and landmarks on the route, review traffic signs and stop sign rules

  • When crossing roads always cross at corner, stop and look for traffic

  • Do not step out in front of parked cars or snow banks without checking for on-coming traffic

  • Be aware, no listening to music or text/talking on phone while walking or riding

  • Use sidewalks where possible, walk on the left facing traffic, in single file 

  • Be sure to wear a properly fitted helmet when bicycling and scootering 

  • Have a bell on your bike to let others walking to school know you are passing

  • Walk your bike and scooters across the street

  • Dress appropriately for the weather (waterproof, warm, scarf, hat, mittens, etc.)

  • Wear clothing or carry knapsacks with reflective material that can be seen by car drivers

  • Bring a change of clothes when walking or riding in inclement weather

  • Walk with a friend for safety and awareness

E-scooters

Please be aware that electric scooters are prohibited on all school sidewalks, playgrounds and within school buildings. E-scooters are not permitted to be stored in school.

In Halton, e-scooters are not permitted on public roads, sidewalks or trails. E-scooters must be operated on personal property and the rider must be at least 16 years old.

The City of Burlington is currently running a two-year Centennial Trail E-Scooter Pilot until 2027, which allows e-scooters only on designated sections of the Centennial Trail between Brant Street, the Elgin Promenade and Burloak Drive. Outside of this defined pilot corridor, e-scooters remain prohibited on all other public roads, sidewalks and trails in Burlington.

In addition to adhering to local by-laws, e-scooter riders are required under the Highway Traffic Act to use a CSA-approved motorcycle or bicycle helmet (if under the age of 18).

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