SHIFTING TRANSPORTATION MODES AND MINDSETS IN THE CRD
The greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) in Greater Victoria is on-road transportation –approximately 46%. And nearly 50% of all students are driven to and from school, even though most trips are under 3km, with many less than 500 metres. To combat GHG emissions, the Capital Regional District (CRD) encourages and promotes active transportation, such as walking or biking, through two of its programs.
The CRD Ready, Step, Roll program is an initiative to make school neighbourhoods more comfortable to walk and wheel in, and to enable more students and their families to walk and wheel to and from school more often. The Walk & Wheel to School initiative has transitioned from an annual program to an on-demand, year-round program that celebrates and encourages students and their families to choose active travel for all or part of their usual commute to school.
Some of the benefits seen through the initiatives include safer streets with reduced traffic volumes and speeds, quieter and cleaner outdoor spaces, and improvements to students’ mental and physical well-being.
Source: Capital Regional District