Under the Walking School Bus initiative, parents work a roster system, taking turns to pick up children from their homes and walk them to and from school each day. Six other Christchurch schools already have walking school buses, including Thorrington’s neighbouring Beckenham School.

The Thorrington Walking School Bus network comprises 6 routes, each of which has a parent responsible for coordinating the roster of “driver” parents. The Landsdowne Terrace route is already operating, and the Hollis Avenue route commenced today. Other routes yet to start are Bowenvale Avenue, Fisher Avenue, Malcolm Avenue, and Waimea Terrace.

Alice Shanks, parent of several children at Beckenham School, says that prior to setting up their Walking School Bus her children complained about having to walk to school. Their complaints disappeared as soon as the walking school bus started, because the formerly driven children joined in walking with the bus. Allice’s children now walk to school safely without supervision, having learnt good road safety practices while they were passengers on the Walking School Bus.

Joy Kingsbury-Aitken, Christchurch City Council’s Schools Co-ordinator, said that the Walking School Bus provides many benefits for both children and parents.

“It is healthy, safe and provides an exercise opportunity for parents and their children. It also saves parents time because they work a roster system.