Are you a fan of winter? If you are, you thrive on the natural beauty of the season and if necessary, even travel to an area with conditions that are just right for winter scenery or activities.
Those who are not fans of winter are likely counting the days to spring. You might also be thinking animals that hibernated or even headed south to warmer places for the winter, were doing things right.
Depending on what the groundhog will predict on Groundhog Day in your area (about an early spring or six more weeks of winter) and with Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, being the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, you might either be seeing your glass half full or half empty.
Let’s take a page out of winter enthusiasts’ books! If you are a parent or caregiver with school aged children, try to change the morning routine from driving to walking to school. Yes, I know it’s winter, although a mild one, but you can do it!
Winter Walk Day
Winter Walk Day is taking place on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, in schools across Ontario. Students are encouraged to walk to school on this or any day during the month of February. The aim is to celebrate active school travel and to spend time outside in all seasons – especially the cold ones!
Tips for a more seamless winter walking routine
- Make sure your winter route is still accessible as shortcuts that work in the summer might not work in the winter.
- Dress for the weather.
- Prepare your winter gear the night before. Hat, mittens, snow boots. Check, check and check.
Help combat the winter blues
Say goodbye to the winter blues. Time outside is important for mental health, exercise, and social well-being. Spread the benefits. Create a walking school bus by picking up your friends on the way to school. If you have time, turn a winter walk into a sensory scavenger hunt or play a game of I-Spy. If you plan to get to school on time, perhaps save this for your walk home after school.
Mornings are too busy
Try parking five minutes away from school and walk the rest of the way together. You will avoid what could be the worst traffic you’ll face all day: the school parking lot! You will also create a safer environment on the school grounds.
Parking your vehicle will also ensure you are not idling in a school traffic jam and increasing emissions around children. Speaking of idling, leaving your car running unnecessarily in a parking spot for longer than a minute is not allowed in Burlington and you could end up with a $120 ticket.
I live too far from school!
Often, you are closer than you think! If you live in Halton, try the handy walk and roll travel time map to see how long it will take you to walk or bike to school.
Take Action Burlington! Let’s make school commutes more active. Collectively we can make a difference!
Take Action Burlington 