Active School Travel is the use of any form of human-powered travel, such as walking, rolling and wheeling (cycling, scootering, rollerblading, skateboarding), to get to and from school or to and from bus stops (for students eligible for bussing). School buses, public transit or carpooling are also encouraged as part of the AST initiatives as they are considered sustainable forms of transportation. AST has many proven benefits, including:
- Improves physical and mental health
- Increases academic performance by preparing students to learn
- Improve air quality (reduce pollution)
- Promotes social development
- Builds lifelong habits of active and independent mobility
For those who can’t walk or cycle to school every day, choosing active travel once, twice or a few days a week or parking a block away from the school and walking the rest of the way can still provide benefits. Include active travel as part of your daily routine!