When the school year starts in August, big yellow buses won’t be stopping at many students’ houses.

But parents in bright yellow vests could be escorting groups of students to school — as part of what’s called a walking school bus.

Amerika Grewal, a Sunflower School parent, is spearheading a local effort to form walking school buses because the school district cut bus service to students who live within 2.5 miles of their schools.

“I can’t bear to drive my car one mile to school, but at the same time, I just can’t let my son cross 23rd Street to get to school,” Grewal said.

Woodlawn School PTO President Michelle Iwig-Harmon sees merit in the idea.

“You’re getting some exercise. You’re out in the fresh air. You’re building community with people around you,” she said. “I think for us it’s really whether or not there’s enough interest.”

And groups outside the public school system, such as Lawrence Eco-Parents, are intrigued.

“I know it’s been a challenge and it’s been a lot of work,” said Kim Bellemere, facilitator for Eco-Parents. “Walking is a great way to help promote sustainability.”

Students walking to school must cross some of the busiest streets in Lawrence. Some routes don’t have sidewalks. Students in North Lawrence might have to cross railroad tracks.

“It’s not like you can send a 5-year-old out to negotiate the traffic on their own,” Iwig-Harmon said.

A group walking together would be a much safer option, she said.

“I think it sounds really great, and it’s fairly accessible for parents who stay home with their students,” she said. “Whether or not it works for working parents is something I want to find out.”

But Grewal is hopeful Lawrence can get the wheels rolling.

“I feel like Lawrence has just got so much potential,” she said.