It's International Walk to School Month
In celebration of International Walk to School Month (October), we're pointing out the benefits of kids walking to and from school. Many kids walk to school each day, but it would be great if more joined them. Arthur Wendel, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says walking one mile to and from school gives kids much of the minimum physical activity they need -- and they can talk with their friends. But he says walking seems to have hit some rough road:
``In 1969, about 50 percent of kids walked or biked to school. But now that number has fallen to less than 15 percent of kids walking or biking to school.’’
Walking or bicycling to and from school offers some amazing benefits for your children. We've listed some of these benefits, which have been reported by the CDC below:
- Increased levels of daily physical activity for children.
- Increased likelihood that children and adults will choose to walk and bike for other short distance trips.
- Improved neighborhood safety.
- Fewer cars traveling through the neighborhood.
- Fewer cars congesting the pick-up and drop-off points at the school.
- Friendlier neighborhoods as people get out and about interacting with one another.
If you decide to allow your child to walk to school there are a few things you should think about and consider. Do you live in a pedestrian friendly neighborhood? Are there sidewalks available the entire route to school? Are there a group of children already walking to school from your neighborhood? Make sure you consider these things prior to your child starting their new morning or afternoon commute. Happy Walking!
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