Safe Route to School: Walking Audit of Crossings

A walking trip around the school neighborhood in groups with assigned roles to audit a real route: sidewalk width, crosswalk visibility, signal times, bike lanes and bike racks. Using the data, the class drafts an improvement proposal so more students can walk or bike to school.

How to play

1. In the classroom, present the checklist and the 1-kilometer route and assign roles: navigator, photographer, recorder, signal timer, safety lead and spokesperson (5 min).
2. Walk the route in groups of six wearing vests, filling in the checklist and timing at least two traffic signals (20 min).
3. Back at school, each group marks the three most dangerous spots and one good one on a map (6 min).
4. The class agrees on one improvement proposal to send to the city or present to the school board (4 min).

Rules

• The trip requires parent permission and at least two teachers, one at the front and one at the back.
• Always stay on the sidewalk and cross only at crosswalks, as a group, on the walk signal.
• Take photos from the sidewalk without showing people's faces.
• Nobody leaves their group; the safety lead counts heads at every crossing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: the group evaluates the route from their experience, paying special attention to curb cuts and obstacles.
• Visual impairment: goes with a guide partner and checks for audible signals and tactile paving.
• Autism: sees the route and their role on a map with photos before leaving.

Learning goals

• Analyze the safety conditions of a real city route.
• Promote active travel to school with evidence-based proposals.
• Work as a team with defined roles during an outing.

Equipment for a class of 25

• worksheets: 6
• reflective vests: 30
• tablets or phones: 6
• stopwatch: 6

Teacher tip

Frame it as a follow-up to work on active commuting to school. If you can't go out, do the audit with Street View in class plus a short walk by the school entrance.

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