Walking bus

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Sign for a walking bus stop in the Italian city of Zanica

A walking bus is a group of schoolchildren who, chaperoned by two adults (a "Driver" leads and a "conductor" follows) walk to school, in much the same way a school bus would drive them to school. Like a traditional bus, walking buses have a fixed route with designated "bus stops" and "pick up times" in which they pick up children.

Walking Buses are popular in the United Kingdom and have recently gained a level of popularity elsewhere in Europe, North America and New Zealand. Proponents of walking buses say that its aims are to: ^[1]

Encourage physical activity by teaching children the skills to walk safely, how to identify safe routes to school, and the benefits of walking
Raise awareness of how walkable a community is and where improvements can be made
Raise concern for the environment
Reduce crime and take back neighbourhoods for people on foot
Reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and speed near schools
Share valuable time with local community leaders, parents, and children

In New Zealand, as of April 2006, eighty six schools run over 176 Walking School Buses transporting 3,006 children in the Auckland region. ^[2]