Canada schools test car-free dropoff zones to improve safety

As the school year begins, Green Communities Canada is continuing efforts to expand School Streets, a program that temporarily closes streets near schools to regular vehicle traffic during dropoff and pickup times. The initiative has run in several provinces and is designed to make it safer for children who walk or cycle to school while reducing congestion and air pollution around school entrances. Supporters say the changes can also encourage more outdoor play and community interaction. The article notes that some pilots have faced opposition over disruption and volunteer demands, and only two permanent School Streets exist in Canada. Researchers and advocates say the data so far points to safety and mobility benefits, while the longterm challenge remains finding workable ways to manage and enforce the closures.