The “back to school season” can be a stressful time for parents and children as they establish new routines around the school schedule.

Additionally, back to school transportation effects everyone else on the road, as school traffic spills out onto surrounding streets, and even onto the highway!

School commuters (parents and students) can improve their trip, reduce their traffic impact, and still get to school on time, in much the same way that work commuters do. Consider a walking or bicycle trip if you live close enough, and talk to your neighbors about setting up a bikepool or walking school bus, where one parent leads a group of children to school.

If you must drive, you can avoid school congestion by parking a few blocks away and walking up to school with your child. This gives you a few minutes of activity to “warm up” for the school day, as well as a chance to check in and discuss the day ahead.

Cruz511 has a variety of resources for parents, students, and school administrators.

Take a few minutes to browse our site and think about how you might reduce your traffic impact and enjoy your school commute a bit more, and let us know if you have questions about school commuting, bikepooling, or any other school transportation programs.