National Walk and Bike to School Day
Oct 06, 2015
Wednesday, October 7 is National Walk and Bike to School Day!
Walking and bicycling to school enables children to incorporate the regular physical activity they need each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Regular physical activity helps children build strong bones, muscles and joints, and it decreases the risk of obesity. In contrast, insufficient physical activity can contribute to chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children and adolescents get one hour or more of physical activity each day. Research suggests that physically active kids are more likely to become healthy, physically active adults, underscoring the importance of developing the habit of regular physical activity early.
To find the safest route to school, look for:
- Places to walk or bicycle that are separated from traffic.
- Choose sidewalks or paths wherever possible, and minimize the number of street crossings -- even if that means the trip will take a little longer.
- If there are no sidewalks or paths, walk as far from motor vehicles as possible, on the side of the street facing traffic.
- Avoid busy, high-speed or multi lane roads, wherever possible.
- When available, cross at a location with an adult school crossing guard.
- When crossing a street, always look Left-Right-Left.
Bicyclists - please remember to wear a helmet!
Drivers, please watch for children and families who are walking or biking. Yield to them at crossings, and please follow posted speed limits.
There's a place for everyone out on our streets and sidewalks, so watch out for one another and enjoy getting some outdoor activity!
