HASTE Newsletter 2.1 - The (iWalk) Back to School Edition

Welcome to the HASTE newsletter for Fall 2009. If you're receiving this, you've either signed up for our newsletter or are someone who we're pretty sure would be interested in occasional updates about the HASTE project and the resources it offers. We'll be sending out newsletters every few months, but you can always check the website for up-to-date listings of news, events and webinars on sustainable transportation for school communities.

iWalk - International Walk to School Week

International Walk to School Week is happening in BC, October 5-9, 2009. Join schools accross BC in promoting and celebrating the many benefits of walking. International Walk to School Week events encourage a more walkable world – one school and community at a time. Visit the HASTE website to register your school before September 18th for all of the activities that will be happening during International Walk to School Week. We'll send you information and resources to help you plan an iWalk event that works for your school community.

Visit the iWalk website for more information on this international event.

Equipment Grants for School Active Travel Initiatives

Help your school start or improve a walking/cycling program with free program supplies and incentives. The Equipment Grant program has been expanded to apply to any school program or initiative that supports or encourages active trips to school!

All you need to do in order to qualify for a grant is tell us about what your school is doing to promote active transportation, and where to send the supplies. Any initiative that promotes regular walking or cycling qualifies for support, e.g. Walking School Buses or Bicycle Trains, participation in IWalk or Bike to School Week, a weekly walking program, etc.

All orders come with a copy of the Bike Safe, Walk Smart DVD. To apply, fill out the online form at www.hastebc.org/school-active-travel-grant-program

TransLink Offers Free Transit for Students During iWalk week

TransLink is once again offering free transit to K-12 students during iWalk week. This makes iWalk week the perfect opportunity for students to try out their transit route to school. It's also a chance for teachers to use free public transit for field trips between the hours of 10 am and 2.30 pm.

TransLink's mandate is to help ensure a sustainale future for the Metro Vancouver region - you can help by showing the next generation that transit is a practical and easy way to get around and access resources in their community.

If you think TransLink should be offering free transit for educational field trips year round, check out the Trip Ed campaign.

If you live outside of Metro Vancouver and think BC Transit should get with the program, let them know.

Quick Hits

* Request up to 4 Idle Free signs for your school.

* Use the MyTravel Student Emissions Calculator to bring transportation issues into your classroom.

* Take the Province's Pledge to Be Idle Free.

* Check out TransportCamp, the Sustainable Transportation Unconference.

Thanks

That's it that's all, thanks for reading. If you'd like more information and resources for bringing sustainable transportation ideas, education or action into your school, along with related news and events, visit the HASTE website or contact Omar Bhimji, the project manager, at omar@hastebc.org or 604.876.7962.