Programs Help Fight Obesity and Reduce Emissions
More U.S. children are getting to school the old school way – by walking.
Requiring only two volunteers and a neighborhood of children willing to dress for the weather, the “walking school bus” is part of a growing national trend to combat childhood obesity, traffic congestion and auto emission pollution in urban areas.
According to the “Trends in Walking and Bicycling to School” report released October 2013 by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, a greater percentage of children between the grades of kindergarten and eighth grade are choosing active school travel. Parent surveys showed the percentage of children walking to and from school increased from 12.4 percent in 2007 to 15.7 percent in 2012 in the morning and 15.8 percent in 2007 to 19.7 percent in 2012 in the afternoon. The data was compiled from parent surveys submitted by 8,119 schools representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
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Why on earth would you need two volunteers? I used to walk a mile to school alone or with my brother or sister. We were taught not to talk to strangers, and after school if the bully wanted to jump me, I learned how to either run or fight.
ReplyDeletePretty simple stuff.
In the 30's I walked 1+ mile to school and back in the first thru 5th grades- alone. I, too, learned to handle bullies (lots of cuts, bruises and broken bones). Earned a little respect and they left me alone. The world has not changed THAT much except for the increase in violence and dishonesty. Used to be, there was SOME honor, even among thieves.
ReplyDelete