School Travel Planning

The Town of Aurora is committed to helping children get to school safely. Please pay attention to traffic and parking restrictions in and around school zones. They are there to ensure the safety of our children and compliance is regularly enforced. ​

​Approved by Aurora Town Council in 2013, we're pleased to be the first municipality in York Region to introduce a School Travel Planning policy, started by our Infrastructure & Environmental Services (Public Works) department.

The STP goal is to increase the amount of students choosing to travel to and from school using active modes (walking, skateboarding, cycling or carpooling) of transportation.

More students using active modes helps address important issues related to physical activity, traffic congestion, air quality and neighbourhood safety.

STP gives a template for our staff when dealing with travel-related issues at schools and encourages safe, healthy, active travel to and from school.

Remember to walk safely. With less daylight this time of year, please make sure you are visible to traffic, especially in the early morning and evening.

Teach children about pedestrian safety when walking them to school.

In order to safely cross the street on their own, they need three important skills usually developed between nine and 11 years old:

  • Be able to decide on a safe route to cross streets
  • Be able to reasonably judge a vehicle's speed
  • Judge safe gaps in traffic in order to cross the street
  • Supervise children who have not yet mastered these skills.

Teach your children to cross the road safely:

  • Stand well back on the sidewalk until ready to cross the street
  • Use crosswalks and intersections with crossing guards if available
  • Make sure vehicles travelling in all directions have come to a complete stop and the road has no visible moving traffic before crossing
  • Always make eye contact with the driver
  • Walk, do not run
  • Walk beside bikes or scooters; do not ride while crossing the road
  • Do not wear earphones or text while walking​

Choosing active transportation, such as walking to school, instead of riding in a vehicle has many benefits:

  • ​Increased physical activity helps mental well-being, reduces depression and anxiety levels and improves self-esteem;
  • Improved learning and concentration have been seen when students are active before coming to class;
  • Get to know your community by spending valuable time with family, friends and meeting your neighbours; and
  • The short walk to and from school counts towards the daily physical activity children need to be active for health benefits.

When travelling to school, be sure to cross the road at supervised, marked crossings and obey the crossing guard. ​

Reminder to drivers: Be alert when driving in a school community. Here are some drive safe recommendations:

  • Observe all road signage;
  • Follow posted speed limits; school zones have reduced speeds so drivers can safely stop to allow children to cross the street;
  • Avoid U-turns, backing up and making three-point turns;
  • Watch for vehicles, pedestrians, bikes, scooters and stopped school buses; and
  • Observe placement of crosswalks, traffic lights and road signage.

Aurora has more than 57 km of pathways and multi-use trails, including the Nokiidaa and Oak Ridges Moraine, suitable for:

  • Walking
  • Hiking
  • Jogging
  • Cycling
  • Cross-country skiing.

Our trails offer a great way to see our most scenic and natural areas.

Using our trails system also contributes to a healthy lifestyle and reduces traffic and pollution within our community.

Want to learn more about the parks and trails system? Pick up a copy of our Streets, Parks & Trails map. Copies are available on a one-per-household basis from Aurora Town Hall or download a copy. 

Cycling Safety

Cycling is a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly way to get around, but it's important to stay safe while sharing the road or trail with others. Whether you're commuting, exercising, or riding for leisure, following a few key safety practices can help prevent accidents and keep your ride enjoyable.

Top Cycling Safety Tips:

  1. Wear a Helmet
    Always wear a properly fitted helmet to protect your head in case of a fall or collision. In Ontario, it's the law for anyone under 18 to wear a helmet while riding a bike, but riders of all ages are encouraged to wear one. It could save your life.
  2. Be Visible
    Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at dawn, dusk, or night, add reflectors to your bike and use front and rear bike lights.
  3. Follow the Rules of the Road
    Obey traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. Ride in the same direction as traffic and signal your turns.
  4. Use Bike Lanes When Available
    Stick to designated bike lanes or paths, when possible, for added safety and predictability.
  5. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
    Keep both hands on the handlebars and your eyes on the road. Avoid using headphones or mobile devices while riding.
  6. Check Your Bike Regularly
    Before each ride, inspect your tires, brakes, lights, and gears to ensure everything is working properly.
  7. Ride Predictably
    Don’t weave between cars or make sudden moves. Ride in a straight line and communicate your intentions clearly.
  8. Watch for Car Doors
    Stay alert for parked cars and the potential for doors opening suddenly into your path.
  9. Be Cautious at Intersections
    Slow down, make eye contact with drivers, and be extra careful when crossing intersections.
  10. Educate Young Riders
    Teach children basic traffic rules and supervise them until they are confident and experienced enough to ride alone.

E-Scooter Safety

E-scooters are a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel short distances, but they must be used responsibly to ensure the safety of both riders and pedestrians. It’s important to understand local rules and ride with caution, especially since e-scooters are not permitted on sidewalks. Staying informed and alert can help prevent injuries and keep our streets safe for everyone.

Top E-Scooter Safety Tips:

  1. Stay Off Sidewalks
    E-scooters must be operated on roads, bike lanes, or multi-use paths where permitted and not on sidewalks.
  2. Wear a Helmet
    Helmets are strongly recommended for all riders and required for anyone under the age of 18.
  3. Follow the Rules of the Road
    Obey all traffic signals, signs, and lane markings. Ride in the same direction as traffic.
  4. Ride Solo
    Never carry passengers on an e-scooter. They’re designed for one person only.
  5. Be Visible
    Use front and rear lights if riding in low light or at night. Wear bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility.
  6. Stay Alert
    Watch for cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and road hazards. Avoid using headphones or mobile devices while riding.
  7. Start Slow
    If you're new to e-scooters, take time to practice in a quiet area before entering busier streets.
  8. Park Responsibly
    When you're done riding, park your scooter upright and out of the way—never blocking sidewalks, driveways, or ramps.
  9. Check Local Rules
    Municipal rules can vary. Always check local guidelines before riding an e-scooter in a new area.

Contact Us

Town of Aurora
100 John West Way
Aurora ON L4G 6J1
Phone: 905-727-1375 or 905-727-3123
Fax: 905-726-4769

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