Walking Bus!?!

Completely brilliant cat-herding from across the pond. It's a new innovation in safe ways to school:
The Walking Bus.
From their website:

Each walking bus had an adult 'driver' at the front and and an adult 'conductor' bringing up the rear. The children walk to school in a group along a set route picking up additional 'passengers' at specific 'bus-stops' along the way.

The bus runs rain or shine and everyone wears a reflective jacket. Along the way children can chat to their friends, learn valuable road safety skills and gain some independence.