How the Hope Walk ’n’ Roll Is Transforming the Journey to School in a Rural Community
In the District of Hope, the journey to school comes with real challenges: congested school zones, limited active travel infrastructure, and kids who want safer, more fun ways to get to school.
This fall, we partnered with Silver Creek Elementary, Coquihalla Elementary, Fraser Health, Hope RCMP, and community volunteers to pilot the Hope Walk ’n’ Roll — an initiative supported through a Vision Zero BC Road Safety Grant designed to reduce traffic and help students experience walking and rolling as safe, supported, and joyful.
And the results were powerful.
During the pilot week, Coquihalla Elementary saw a 52% reduction in morning traffic. Students rode with confidence, families felt supported, and community helpers showed up to walk and roll alongside kids. At Silver Creek, students completed 200+ minutes of active travel through the “Travel the Stó:lō” challenge, building movement, confidence, and connection to place.
What made this project work wasn’t just the programming — it was the relational approach behind it. By centering safety, care, and collaboration, Thrive & Connect helped create morning routines that felt calmer, safer, and more connected for everyone involved.
The Hope Walk ’n’ Roll is just the beginning of a growing active travel culture in Hope.