Why Walk or Bike?

Why Walk or Bike?

30 years ago most of America’s children walked to school.  Today, only 13% of our
children walk or bike to school. (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).  The
large majority of students today arrive to school by bus or private car.

Health


The American Heart Association recommends that children participate in 30 to 60
minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each day.  78% of boys and girls fall short of
this recommended dose of exercise.  (Surgeon General Report on Physical Activity and
Health).

The percentage of overweight children and adolescents has increased 300% in the last
thirty years. (National Center for Health Statistics).

Physical activity during childhood (from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):

• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
• Helps control weight, build lean muscle, and reduce fat.
• Prevents or delays the development of high blood pressure.
• Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety and is related to higher levels of self esteem.

Studies show that children who walk to school arrive more alert, eager, and ready to
learn.

Environment

20% to 25% of morning traffic is due to parents driving their children to school.
(Department of Environment and Transport Regions, London, England; Marin CMA)

A single vehicle dropping off and picking up kids at one school puts three pounds of
pollution into the air per month.  (Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, 2005)

50% of children hit by cars near schools are hit by parents of other students.
(Washington State Dept. of Transportation)