Walking & Wheeling Through Winter
written by Jenn Mireau
New data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2022–2024) shows that many children and youth are still not getting enough daily physical activity. While more than half of children aged 5–11 achieve the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity, only 21% of youth aged 12–17 meet this benchmark. These findings highlight the need for daily routines that help students move more and spend less time sitting. One simple and effective way to support this is through active school travel. The 2024 ParticipACTION Report Card reinforces this need by emphasizing active travel as an accessible way for students to build more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity into their daily routines.
Cold Weather Tips for Active School Travel:
As winter approaches, encouraging physical activity becomes even more important. Walking, wheeling, or biking during the colder months helps students maintain healthy routines, build resilience, and stay active year-round. With a few simple tips, families and schools can support safe and comfortable travel to and from school:
Dress Warmly in Layers: Wear a warm coat, hat, gloves or mittens, and insulated boots. Layering helps students stay warm and adjust as they heat up.
Wear Bright and Reflective Gear: Dark mornings can reduce visibility. Bright colours, reflective strips, and backpack lights help drivers see students clearly.
Stick to Cleared Paths: Use sidewalks, pathways, and crosswalks that are shovelled and sanded. Avoid shortcuts through deep snow or unmaintained areas.
Cross at Marked Crosswalks or Corners: Even if it takes a few extra steps, crossing where drivers expect pedestrians increases visibility and ensures students have the right of way.
Use Point, Pause, Proceed: Before crossing, point in the direction you’re going, pause to check for traffic, and proceed only when all vehicles have stopped.
Winter Strategies for Schools:
Beyond individual safety tips, schools can help students stay active and engaged throughout the winter. Here are a few winter-friendly strategies to consider:
1. Celebrate an Event Day
Bring the school community together for a winter-themed celebration. Host a school-wide challenge, organize a winter fun run or walk, plan snow-friendly games like soccer or kickball, or welcome students with hot chocolate as they arrive. These activities show that winter movement can be enjoyable, social, and energizing.
2. Launch a Winter Clothing Drive
Partner with school councils or community organizations to collect gently used jackets, snow pants, boots, mittens, and toques. Providing access to proper winter gear reduces barriers to participation and supports equity and inclusion.
3. Engage in Neighbourhood Snow Clearing
Invite classes or leadership groups to help clear snow from nearby sidewalks. This simple act of service supports outdoor movement, strengthens community connections, and improves the safety and walkability of school routes.
4. Bring Learning Outdoors
Incorporate outdoor learning into classroom routines. Winter offers opportunities for hands-on math, science observations, environmental exploration, outdoor journaling, or brief movement breaks. These experiences boost engagement while naturally adding more physical activity to the school day.
While the Canadian Health Measures data shows some challenges, it also gives us a chance to rethink how students stay active during the day. By encouraging walking and wheeling, schools can help make winter a season that builds resilience, supports well-being, and keeps communities active.
If you’re interested in learning more about the impact of active school travel, tune into The PodClass – Episode 48: Active School Travel with Tracey Coutts and Shauna M. Shaker.
