Citation

Rooney M. World Transp. Policy Pract. 2008; 14(1): 39-47.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Eco-Logica)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article supports the use of the Walking School Bus as a strategy for creating a sense of local community for both children and adults. The Walking School Bus is defined as parents or other adults escorting a group of children on a set route to school. The author draws on qualitative research which sets out to explore the relationship between perceptions of community and participation in the WSB. The author's argument focuses on two themes: the value of legitimate interaction with the social and physical environment, and the way in which the WSB empowers parents and children to make the most of their environment. The author reports on a study undertaken for her honors thesis which featured semi-structured interviews with adults and small focus group sessions with children who are involved in a WSB program. Specific topics include definitions of community, the social value of WSB time, reasons for not allowing children to walk to school, the role of WSB in educating both parents and children about their neighborhood and its inhabitants, the development of community networks and social resources beyond the school, and physical benefits. The article includes numerous quotes from children involved in a WSB program, as well as colorful illustrations of their perspectives on the experience. The author concludes by reiterating the importance of continued development and expansion of the WSB and supports strategies to encourage everyone to get involved for physical and community health. (TRID abstract)