The goal of the Active Travel Initiative is to encourage more students
in TDSB to commute to school using travel modes that are more active,
safe, and sustainable, such as walking and cycling.
It is evident that since 1986, there have been increasing shifts away
from active transportation, and currently around 63% of students use
inactive modes of travel (i.e., private cars). This trend is worrying
as there are several negative consequences to heavy reliance on
inactive travel modes:
- Lack of physical activity resulting in health issues
Currently, only 35% of Canadian children and youth, ages 5 - 17,
achieve the recommended physical activity levels. Lack of exercises
can increase risks of illnesses like obesity, cancer and type II
diabetes.
- Increased use of private vehicles increase pollutants levels
More than one-third of Ontario’s greenhouse gasses come from vehicle
emissions, and this exposure to air pollutants can result in
respiratory health issues and reduce cognitive development among
students.
-
Increased private vehicles make school zones more congested and less
safe
Dangerous driver behaviors are observed at 88% of Toronto schools in
a recent study, and each of these behaviors during school drop-off
period was associated with 45% greater risk of collision.
- Traffic is a burden on school staff
Ontario’s school principals collectively spend an estimated 720,000
hours a year coping with traffic problems around their schools.
- Healthier Children
Active school travel can lead to increased physical activity that
brings benefits such as lowering Body Mass Index and reducing
stress, depression and anxiety. It can also build life-long benefits
of independence and active mobility.
- Less traffic and pollution
Less reliance on private vehicles can improve air quality around
school zones and reduce associated air-borne health risks. It can
also help to support Ontario’s greenhouse gas reduction target of
80% by 2050.
- Safer school zones
Reducing traffic volume creates safer school zones and can enhance
the connectivity and quality of life for the community.
- Better academic performance
Increased physical activity has been found to specifically associate
with increased attention during the school day and can support
healthy brain development, leading to improved learning.
Resources
For more information and resources regarding the Active Travel
Initiative, refer to the following websites:
This website was created by Jia Hao Choo, Saning Zhang, and Runyi Li for
the GGR472 Course Project in Winter 2024. The project was completed in
collaboration with Toronto District School Board (TDSB) as part of the
Sandbox Initiative in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the University
of Toronto.