Student forced to walk 'really dangerous' road to school, mom demands new bus policy

Rachel Moss says she shouldn't be expected to walk to school.

She lives less than 1.6 kilometres fromPortugal Cove-St. Philip's Intermediate school butthe distance isn't the problem.

"It's really dangerous," said the 14-year-old.

I'm afraid I could be hit by a car.- Rachel Moss

"There are areas of the walk that are narrower than my book bag and there will be nowhere to walk except on the busy street when the snow falls. I'm afraid I could be hit by a car or a bus."

The department of education provides money to cover the cost oftransportation to and from school for pupilswho reside 1.6 kilometres or more from school.

That means Rachel is not eligible.

Her mother, SuzetteMoss,believesthe policy might have made sense decades ago butis now obsolete and should be abandoned.

"I'd like to see [busing available] for all children in our province. I know there's not a whole lot of money but these are our kids. These children are our future," she said.

• Walking has become 'dangerous,' say parents in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's

When CBC asked Education Minister Dale Kirby if this policy is being assessed itreceived a statement defending the policy and saying it's up to the school boards.

Fighting dangerous walking to school

7 years ago

Duration 1:48

This student lives to close to school to catch the bus, but says the walk is too dangerous and she's afraid she might get hit by a vehicle.

"Under the Schools Act, 1997,province's school boards are responsiblefor a system of transportation of students to and from schools," said the statement.

Suzette Moss is pushing back. She knows the school boards can make exceptions and offer a "courtesy seat" to a studentwho lives within1.6 kilometres of a school.

But she saidthat's not good enough.

"The board can't make the change to the 1.6 [km] policy. The minister himself, Mr. Dale Kirby, has the ability to make the change to the policy. Only him," she said.

The Moss family saidpeople across the province shouldwrite the education minister and demand a change.

"It's not just our community. All over the province there are children having to walk in very dangerous walk zones," said Rachel Moss.