February is Winter Walk Month – walk to school or your bus stop

Interested in staying active this winter? The City of Mississauga is celebrating Winter Walk Month and is encouraging students and their families to walk to school or the bus stop. For those who live further from your school, you can still make a positive impact by parking five minutes away and walking the rest.

Why you should walk to school in the winter

Walking not only improves your mood and overall health, but it also helps make school zones safer.

By walking more, we can create healthier and safer communities while having a positive impact on the environment by reducing carbon emissions.

Winter walks can offer you some unique experiences, such as listening to the sound of snow crunching under your boots, spotting animal footprints in the snow, admiring snow and icicles on trees and houses, and feeling your body gradually warming up as you move.

Not a student?

During the colder months, it’s easy to stay indoors, but fresh air and outdoor activities provide various benefits. Being outside can boost our mood and help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can also regulate our circadian rhythms, which play a vital role in our sleeping patterns and overall health.
Whether you’re at work, school or running errands, try incorporating more outdoor activities into your routine. Consider walking around your local area, making trips to the nearby park or exploring new trails in Mississauga. Find a park or trail near you.

Winter road safety reminders

Walking to school, work or doing an errand?

• Dress warmly to stay comfortable
• Choose a school route that’s clear of ice and snow
• Be alert! Be cautious crossing the road around large snowbanks
• Cross the road with a crossing guard when possible
• Maintain a safe distance from the curb and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before boarding

Biking to school, work or doing an errand?

• Dress in layers so you can remove them as you warm up
• Avoid puddles
• Be cautious when riding on metal bridges and roadways with paint markings as they can be slippery

Dropping someone off at school or work?

• Leave earlier to give yourself extra time
• Clear your car of snow and ice
• Drive the posted speed limit or according to road conditions
• Slow down in school zones
• Be alert as there can be a lot of traffic in school zone areas
• Obey flashing lights and stop signs on school buses
• Use your school’s Kiss and Ride program, and only park where allowed

Visit mississauga.ca/schoolroutes to access custom maps to plan a safe and active route to school.

Tags

• Active Transportation
• Children & Youth
• Students