Citation

Foran A, Robinson D, Barlow J, Crouse Z, Dickinson C. Phys. Health Educ. J. 2012; 78(2): 6-15.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Making Tracks (Foran, et al., 2008a, 2008b, 2008c, 2008d) was launched in 2008 with the goal of providing experiential active transportation safety and skills training to children and youth within Nova Scotia. Making Tracks focuses on four relatively popular and accessible transportation modes: walking, cycling, in-line skating, and skateboarding. Following a train-the-trainer approach, older youth or adults learn the knowledge and skills needed to teach other children and youth. The program is offered over multiple sessions to allow participants to hone and build upon their knowledge and skills. Through the introduction of Making Tracks, an increasing number of Nova Scotia students have been able to increase their before- and after-school activity time while also learning the safety skills needed to walk and wheel safely.

What is Making Tracks?

The Active Transportation Safety Education working group (comprised of provincial and municipal stakeholders) provided program guidance for Making Tracks. Funding partners included Transport Canada, the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, the IWK Health Centre Foundation, and the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection. Other partners included the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board, St. Francis Xavier University, and Skate Pass®. The establishment of these partnerships resulted in the cooperative spirit required to move forward with the proposal of developing an active transportation curriculum that could be integrated into schools and youth-serving organizations. After the conceptual framework was established, St. Francis Xavier University took the lead in the development and implementation of the Making Tracks program (with the exception of skateboarding, for which the Skate Pass® template was used)...

Language: en