Children Can't Walk to School

Today, more than ever, there is a need to provide options that allow children to walk and bicycle to school safely. Many communities struggle with traffic congestion around schools and motor vehicle emissions polluting the environment. At the same time, children in general engage in less physical activity, which contributes to the growing epidemic of obesity. At first glance, these problems may seem to be separate issues, but Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs can address all these challenges through a coordinated action plan. For more information on addressing concerns for children walking to school, see the National Center for Safe Routes to School web site or the Safe Routes to School Online Guide.

Examples of how communities have implemented Safe Routes to Schools programs can be found in these videos, available through the PBIC Video Library:

• Safe Routes to School: Neighborhood Schools on Foot
• Creating Safe Routes to School: It Takes a Community

• Common Pedestrian Problems and Solutions
  • People do not think to walk in the neighborhood
  • There are no sidewalks; existing sidewalks are blocked or in poor repair
  • There are access issues for people with physical disabilities
  • Motorists drive too fast or do not yield to pedestrians
  • Crossing the street is dangerous
  • My community is not an inviting place to walk
  • There is concern about crime and walking at night
  • There is a need for interesting/important destinations within walking distance
  • Children can't walk to school
  • Pedestrians take risks
• Assessing Walking Conditions with Audits
• Understand Who Can Help
• Organize for Success
• Community Examples and Case Studies
• Community Resources and Research