Less than half of U.S. children who live close to school routinely walk or ride their bike to classes. A new study showing a shift toward car commuting by kids also highlights a nation's growing concern of childhood obesity. The reasoning for hitching a ride to school with parents or carpools varies, but safety and time-crunched schedules are reasons why.
Lead author is Sarah Martin, a consultant and former researcher with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her findings show that in 1969, about 90 percent of children living within a mile of school walked or rode bikes to class. In 2004, just 48 percent walked or rode bikes at least one day a week. Studies also showed that less educated families exercised less and had higher rates of obesity. However, children of well-educated parents were more likely to get a ride at school.
The shift in how kids get to school may be due to more families having at least one vehicle, a lack of concern about kids getting enough exercise, for safety reasons, and because walking to school may be considered "uncool."
Efforts are under way to promote walking to bicycling to school (this includes pre-school with parent supervision) for exercise sake as well as improving air quality and the environment. The National Center for Safe Routes to School coordinates annual Walk to School Days and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
More Child Care Quick Tips
Lead author is Sarah Martin, a consultant and former researcher with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her findings show that in 1969, about 90 percent of children living within a mile of school walked or rode bikes to class. In 2004, just 48 percent walked or rode bikes at least one day a week. Studies also showed that less educated families exercised less and had higher rates of obesity. However, children of well-educated parents were more likely to get a ride at school.
The shift in how kids get to school may be due to more families having at least one vehicle, a lack of concern about kids getting enough exercise, for safety reasons, and because walking to school may be considered "uncool."
Efforts are under way to promote walking to bicycling to school (this includes pre-school with parent supervision) for exercise sake as well as improving air quality and the environment. The National Center for Safe Routes to School coordinates annual Walk to School Days and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
