As parents are aware, traffic congestion around Allenby Public School due to increased car traffic and unsafe drop-off practices occur daily around the school. Although the number of drivers utilizing Kiss ‘n’ Ride has increased every year since the initiative was started, the number of cars at the beginning and end of the school day remains the greatest contributor to the above concerns.
With the introduction of Full Day Kindergarten in 2014, Allenby will experience an increase in full day attendance; the traffic congestion problems will grow. As parents and school volunteers, we share a responsibility to keep our children safe by implementing workable solutions.
The solution to the traffic and congestion concerns is not a one-tiered approach, and must include significantly decreasing the number of cars dropping off children, increased signage and enforcement of “no stopping and no parking areas” and traffic restrictions.
What we must do is to create a ‘CULTURE OF WALKING.’ It is time to implement what many schools have successfully done. We need everyone in the catchment area to walk to and from school. To this end, Allenby has joined the ‘iWalk International Club‘ and will participate in walk to school days and events. Children will receive incentives for walking and classes will receive an award for having the most walkers.
The benefits of children walking to school are numerous; improved physical health, providing social opportunities, one on one time with parent/guardian(s), developing lifelong health habits, and being more environmentally responsible, to name a few. TDSB schools have implemented both fun and safe walking practices.
Stay tuned for more information about ‘walking to school days’ and please walk to school or drive, park a short distance away and walk the remainder.
Walk and Roll, Allenby!!