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117 <br /> S. Program Recommendations <br /> In addition to the infrastructure recommendations described in the previous chapter, <br /> programming recommendations are also necessary to encourage and improve safety for <br /> students walking and biking to school.The following section describes non-infrastructure <br /> recommendations to promote safer active transportation to school. <br /> Promote School Bus Usage <br /> Schools should promote school bus usage as a safe and reliable mode of transportation to school. <br /> School buses are designed with specific safety features that make them one of the safest forms <br /> of transportation for students, including bright colors,flashing lights, and specialized training for <br /> drivers. <br /> The high volume of personal vehicles during school drop off and pick up increases the risk of <br /> accidents around schools. By promoting school bus usage, schools can mitigate this risk and <br /> create a safer environment for children walking or biking to school. School buses generally have <br /> their own entrance and parking lot at the school to further separate them from the high volume of <br /> personal vehicles. <br /> One of the main drawbacks to students traveling by school bus is that travel time can be <br /> significantly longer than those traveling by car.To further encourage school bus usage, schools <br /> should evaluate their bus routes to ensure routes are as efficient as possible. By doing so, it will <br /> reduce the average travel time to school and the amount of time spent on the bus, making it a <br /> more viable alternative. <br /> Schools should regularly educate students and parents about the importance of school bus safety. <br /> Programs that teach students proper bus safety—such as remaining seated, listening to the driver, <br /> and safely boarding and exiting—can reinforce the message that school buses are a secure and <br /> reliable form of transportation. <br /> Walking School Bus <br /> A walking school bus is an organized, group-based way for students to walk to school safely under <br /> adult supervision.Typically, one or more parents supervise the group of students along the route <br /> to school.The group follows a set route with scheduled stops, much like a traditional school bus <br /> route,where children can join or leave the group. <br /> A walking school bus promotes safety and comfortability with walking to school,while promoting <br /> health benefits. Students will learn safe walking practices, such as staying alert to surroundings, <br /> obeying traffic signals, and using crosswalks. Walking in a group allows children to be more visible <br /> to drivers, reducing the risk of traffic accidents. <br /> Safe Routes to School <br /> Orange County,North Carolina 115 <br />