Cycling Tips & Stories

It's not too late to get your local schools involved in Walk/Bike to School Day on October 8th, 2003. The Walk To School web site has tips on organizing an event and getting things moving--it's a lot easier than you might think.

Considering that Missouri's childhood obesity rate is almost double the national average (which itself has tripled in the last forty years), Missourians need to put seem real muscle behind efforts, like Walk to School Day, that are designed to help kids make physical activity a part of their daily lives.

It starts as a simple idea: Children and parents, school and local officials walking to school together on a designated day. It's an energizing event, reminding everyone of the simple joy of walking to school, the health benefits of regular daily activity, and the sense of safety and community that comes with being out together. Some schools focus on health and fitness messages, others on safety training for pedestrians and drivers.

But for most communities, one day isn't enough. Many realize that what they really want is for children to be able to walk to school every day, not just as a special event. And that can lead to the kinds of permanent changes that make the community better for everyone. Better sidewalks, safer street crossings, and improved driver and pedestrian behavior can be a boon to everyone, young and old, while making streets safer and the community healthier.

Related:

News: MO Governor Blunt Encourages Communities to Help Children Walk to School

News: Walk and Bicycle to School Month Resolution adopted by Missouri House

permanent link to article: "Walk/Bike to School Day, October 8th, 2003"
posted by Brent Hugh at 9/17/2003 10:11:02 AM |comment on this article