The Power of Walking Together: How the Walking School Bus is Transforming a Community

Three years ago, Tina DeClue attended a PTA meeting that changed everything. Inspired by a discussion about creating a “walking school bus,” Tina decided to bring this idea to life in Columbia, Missouri. What started as a simple initiative to get kids walking to school has grown into a community-driven program with 450 elementary students enrolled—and 335 walking daily. This is the story of how the Walking School Bus improves safety, health, and education for children while fostering deeper connections within the community.

What is the Walking School Bus?

The Walking School Bus is more than just a group of children walking to school. It’s a structured program designed to give kids the health benefits of exercise, the social advantages of camaraderie, and a safe way to travel—especially for those who live too far to walk from home. The program’s pilot initiative at West Boulevard Elementary began by having buses drop children off about half a mile from the school, allowing them to walk through a park to complete their journey.

This simple adjustment offered profound benefits. Tina describes how kids and parents alike now look forward to their mornings. The Walking School Bus has turned rushed mornings into cherished time together for many families. “I like walking with my mom because I like being with my family,” shared one young participant.

From Inspiration to Advocacy

What began as a logistical solution has turned into a movement of child-led advocacy. Students involved in the Walking School Bus naturally became champions for neighborhood safety. When the group encountered cars parked along the bike path they used, the children themselves suggested leaving friendly notes for drivers. These notes explained the importance of the path for the children’s safety and politely requested that cars park elsewhere.

This sense of ownership over their route has empowered the kids. They’ve formed lasting friendships and taken pride in their ability to make a difference in their community.

The Unexpected Benefits of Walking

While the physical and social benefits of the Walking School Bus are clear, the program has also revealed unexpected academic advantages. A study comparing students who walked half a mile to school through a park with those dropped off directly at school showed remarkable results:

• Students who walked increased their reading test scores by 26-27% over the school year, compared to just a 5% increase among their peers.

Walking helps children arrive at school more focused and ready to learn; even teachers have noticed the difference. “Several teachers have told us they see a direct relationship between walking to school and better behavior in the morning,” Tina shared.

Overcoming Challenges

Running a program of this size comes with challenges. From unpredictable weather to ensuring safety on busy roads, the logistics require careful planning. Tina notes that when temperatures drop below 32°F or storms roll in, a massive phone tree goes into effect to notify families that the program is canceled for the day.

The lack of accessible infrastructure is another issue. For students with physical challenges, participating in the Walking School Bus isn’t always feasible, which is frustrating for Tina. “It’s disappointing that some kids can’t join us. They have to drive by every morning, and I want everybody to be able to walk to school if they want to.”

A Community United by Walking

Despite the obstacles, the Walking School Bus has become a beloved part of the community. Children look forward to seeing their friends, continuing conversations day after day, and enjoying the morning exercise. For Tina, what started as a way to walk her kids to school has become much larger. “The need is there, the want is there, and this community is certainly benefiting from the program,” she said.

This grassroots initiative shows how simple changes—like taking a walk—can have far-reaching impacts on health, safety, education, and community spirit. Tina hopes the program continues to grow, creating opportunities for every child to experience the joy of walking to school.

How You Can Help

The Walking School Bus thrives on community support. Whether through volunteering, advocating for safer sidewalks, or simply spreading the word, you can contribute to this transformative program. Together, we can create safer, healthier, and more connected neighborhoods—one step at a time.