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WSB Research
Walking School Buses in the Auckland Region
Status of Walking School Buses in the Auckland Region, 2007.
Robin Kearns and Katrina van Loon examined a number of elements of the Walking School Bus Programme in Auckland. Significant findings include:
An embedding of the WSB programme within primary school communities
An increasing trend of participation from low decile schools
An increasing number of male volunteers, and
A positive relationship with the School Travel Plan programme.
Status of Walking School Buses in the Auckland Region, 2006.
Robin Kearns and Damian Collins studied the wider benefits of Walking School Buses. They found Walking School Buses:
Provide an enhanced sense of community
Decrease vehicle movements around primary school
Provide exercise for both parents and children
Encourage children to continue to walk independently to and from school (and elsewhere) when they are older.
Overview of Five Annual Reports
Robin Kearns and Damian Collins reflect on the five annual surveys of Walking School Buses (WSBs) in the Auckland Regional, and focus on the evolution of the WSB initiative. Key findings include:
There has been sustained growth in key areas
WSB are most common in high decile schools
There is a broad trend towards WSBs operating for more morning trips than afternoon trips
Key measures of WSB sustainability – longevity, growth, and support – show a positive trend.
“Walking is good for my health!”
Report of a Pilot Study on the Perceived Health Benefits to Children Of Walking School Buses in the Auckland Region
Friendship, fun, fitness and overcoming fear are some of the benefits that children report from using walking school buses. New research, commissioned by ARTA, profiles a sample of children about their journey to and from school. Researcher Pat Newett recorded these quotes from children on their experiences.
I like the bus because I get to be with my friends.
You learn safety
I like walking, because it’s good exercise
It stops you getting squashed by a car
Why isn’t it allowed to be a running bus?
Riding in a car is boring
Principals report that walking school bus children arrive at school awake, refreshed and ready to learn.
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