TravelSmart Tips for Getting to School
Whether you're a parent taking the kids to elementary school, a high school student finding your own way, or university student looking for different options, getting to school doesn't have to be difficult. If you associate getting to school with just cars or school buses, think again. There are so many options available, and so many opportunities to be TravelSmart when travelling to and from school each day.
Walking: This is one of the best ways to get around - it's free, it's easy and it's a great way to add some exercise into your day.
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Parents: consider starting or joining a walking school bus. It's not only a great social opportunity for you and your kids, but also helps insert some exercise and outdoor time into your child's schedule. Ask your school to see if groups already exist.
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High School Students: there's nothing quite like catching up on the latest school news or discussing your favourite TV show with friends while walking to or from school. You not only get a break from teachers and parents, but walking also helps you stay in shape, lose weight, reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety while improving overall mental well-being.
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University Students: with so much time rushing to and from classes, cramming for exams and keeping up with assignments, consider using your daily commute as important down time just for you. Fresh air, exercise and a little vitamin D may just be the trick to making it through finals!
If you're a cyclist in Metro Vancouver, you're pretty much in paradise.
Cycling: If you're a cyclist in Metro Vancouver, you're pretty much in paradise. This city is made for cyclists. Between all the dedicated cycling lanes and an overall cycle-friendly attitude, it couldn't be easier to get around. Plus, bikes are welcome throughout the TransLink network, so it's easy for you to hop on and off buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus and the West Coast Express.
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Parents: don't think of your child's bike only on weekends. Many schools participate in Bike to School weeks, Bike Safety lessons or even fun bike parades now and again. You and your kids can bike to school together, or spend a few days a week during your trip to and from school practicing cycling for a fun and active alternative to getting to school.
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High School Students: it may not be the Harley you want for graduation, but don't discount your bike. Whether it's for mountains, racing or touring, you have a lot of options for getting around by bike. Look into special designated areas, including bike lanes, greenways or even bike-friendly skate parks where you can take advantage of your bike beyond commuting to school. For students interested in promoting cycling clubs or bikes as a TravelSmart option, talk to your school about hosting a Bike Week, training seminars, or hosting local bike companies to demonstrate their latest and greatest models and gadgets.
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University Students: cycling to school offers substantial benefits. Minimal costs associated with a bike over a car (gas, parking, insurance and maintenance add up fast!), health benefits of exercise, or simply the pride in making a difference to our air quality. And with so many campuses offering designated bike paths, lockup facilities and changing areas, cycling to school has never been easier.
Transit: A truly cheap and easy way to travel longer distances - especially for students. With so many school passes available to high school and university students, it's a no-brainer that transit is a smart choice. Plus, you'll get some "down" time on your commute so you can relax, socialize or even take a nap!
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Parents: if you drive to school every day, consider taking your kids on transit. It offers a fun, relaxed and social outing for you and the kids, where you can actually talk to them rather than focusing on the road, traffic and occasional bad driver around you. It's a great way to catch up, while also teaching them the importance of environmentally friendly travel options.
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High School Students: don't worry about bugging Mom or Dad for a lift. Use your student pass and enjoy the feeling of true independence! Taking transit lets you and your friends get to and from school easily, cheaply and without depending on anyone else. Have your own car? Consider leaving it at home and taking transit now and again to minimize your personal impact on the environment.
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University Students: rapid transit, buses, SeaBus - there are so many options available to get to school. Use the time on transit to finish that assignment, read a good novel, or simply plug in the iPod and relax. Check out our University and College Campus list for a quick view of the direct transit options to your school, or use the TransLink Trip Planner to map the best route for you.
Driving: Having a car doesn't necessarily mean you're not TravelSmart. Keep your car and simply make smarter choices when using it. If you're driving yourself or your kids to school, pack it with other people and ride-share - make the most of that space in your car. Or combine your car trip with public transit and use one of the many Park and Ride lots around Metro Vancouver.
Do you have any additional tips, ideas or stories to share? Leave a comment below to help other users be more TravelSmart.