Page last updated on May 27, 2026 at 10:10 am
What is a Walking School Bus?
A Walking School Bus is a group of students who walk to and from school together with one or more adults. The group follows a planned route, with set meeting spots where students join along the way. The group walks safely to school together, and then usually walks home using the same route. Some groups walk every school day, while others meet once or twice a week.
This form is for parents who are interested in leading or joining a Walking School Bus. Your answers will help us connect families who live near each other.
Walking School Bus Matching Form
The City of Bloomington can help match families, plan your route, provide supplies (like backpack lights, vests, ponchos, etc.), and even walk with you the first time to help you get started.
Walking School Bus Matching Form
The form can help you lead or join a walking school bus.
- Lead a Walking School Bus:
You are a parent who is willing to walk with a group of students at least once a week. You may share this role with other parents. - Join a Walking School Bus:
You want your child to take part in a Walking School Bus, but you will not be walking with the group.
How to Start Your Own Walking School Bus
Walking school buses can be simple or structured. They may involve just two families rotating supervision, or a formal route with trained volunteers. Routes might pick students up at homes, parks, or intersections, and may run before school, after school, or both.
Gauge Interest
Many walking school buses begin informally with parents and neighbors talking with each other, noticing who already walks to school, and inviting others to join. A quick conversation at drop-off, a text thread, or a group chat is often enough to get things going.
More formal options are also available. Interested families can complete the Walking School Bus Student Registration Form to help identify routes and participants. Typically interested parents provide the intersection nearest to them, not their full address. The City of Bloomington can also assist by creating route maps and sharing contact information so families can connect and coordinate more easily.
Determine Dates, Times, and Routes
How often the walking school bus will operate (daily, weekly, or monthly) and determine pick up times and locations (intersections, parks, landmarks, or individual student homes). The City of Bloomington can assist with developing a map to distribute.
Work with Others
Identify adults willing to supervise and clarify their level of commitment. Programs with more route leaders tend to reach more students and be more sustainable. Develop a means of communication (often a group chat) for all caregivers and route leaders. Set clear expectations, including how to report absences or changes. Work to determine how to handle weather, cancellations, or volunteer absences and how to accommodate students with after-school activities.
4. Work with the City
The City of Bloomington can help you start your walking school bus. Reach out for help or view several resources available to support walking school buses:
- Choosing Safe Routes
- Temporary signage for stops
- Wayfinding signage for routes
- Safe walking materials package including
- High-visibility safety vests
- Back-pack lights
- Ponchos
- T-shirts and other swag items
- Hand outs, posters, and parent information sheets
- Staff assistance for your first few walks
- Walking school bus training for yourself or your school
- Give-away incentives
- Presentations for PTA, teachers, or parents
Parent Resources: