Human School Bus in England on Walk to School Day
The photos on this page are courtesy of walktoschool.com or iwalktoschool.com unless otherwise noted.

Introduction | International Walk to School Day | Fitness/Cycling Paths | Informational Links WALKING TO SCHOOL Walking to and from school was a natural way to stay healthy and fit, as a child, decades ago, in Kansas. Barring a forecast of a tornado, or the few days of below freezing weather, my sister and I pocketed our spare change for a stop on the return trip at the penny candy store and headed off across the fields toward the elementary school that was a couple of miles away. It was all open country, with corn fields, blue skies, and windmills. The fields were vast enough to run and fly a kite without worrying about obstacles. We were very active, always wanting to play when we got home and we had a good appetite for supper, but after supper, our favorite activity was going back outside to play tag or kick the can. Walking to school was safe, for the paths, which led the way to the school, skirted main roads and highways. It never even occurred to us that we were walking or running to stay fit. It was just a natural part of our lives. Walk to School Day 2001, California It's been many many years since I lived in Kansas. I don't know if kids still walk to school in that city or if they all take the bus, but I do know that where I teach now, walking is not an option. The community is just not set up for safe walking to school. And I also know that report after report calls for the need for kids to exercise as a means to staying healthy and fit as well as to combat the high percentage of kids who are now classified as obese. According to Rail-Trails Winter 2002, Vol. 1 No. 2. "...our communities are not designed for children to safely walk to school....Communities across the country have begun to reverse this unhealthy trend by adopting Safe Routes to School programs." David Thatcher, the U.S. Surgeon General has issued a call to action for communities to create safe places to walk, cycle, jog and play. And many communities are starting to take this responsibility to heart. Below are some of the things happening in the U.S. and around the world. INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY On April 1 registration begins for Walk to School Day USA (October 2, 2002). Kids and parents will walk, cycle, and scooter their way to school. Adults will volunteer to chaperone walking kids. The creative possiblities to make this day a success are endless. Last year, some groups formed walking kids into 'human busses' (top photo) with the kids being picked up at neighborhood 'bus stops' by the walking bus. Some schools practiced walking before the big event, others rewarded the walkers by outdoor breakfasts and treats on arrival at the school. If you visit the Walk to School site you can obtain fliers to hand out, guidelines, online graphics, safety tips, and get your school and town added to their online map. It's not too early to start thinking about how your school and community can get involved in the October walk. Do a little research. Visit the page on How to Make your Town More Walkable and then bring your information to your school administration, PTO, and town meetings. Walk to School Day 2001, California FITNESS/CYCLING PATHS Another big movement in our country is to provide cycling/walking/jogging trails in state parks and towns so that we may have safe places to exercise; out of the paths of trucks and automobiles. With the TEA-21 (Transportation Equity Act of the 21st Century) government funds are being appropriated to ensure a safe means for pedestrians and cyclists in many towns and cities in the US. Visiting the links below will give you tips and ideas how to work with your local and state governments to help provide your community with safe practices and facilities. Of particular interest is the link on child transportation safety tips (Tips 13 and 14). This article includes ways to 'slow down' traffic in your community. It also includes carefully age graded guidelines for teaching your child how to safely transport him/herself: how to practice crossing the roads, how old a child should be to walk without a parent, and more. You can also obtain a Walkability Checklist at nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/ped/walk1.html to help you decide if your community is safe for pedestrians. Photo Courtesy of Neworleansonline.com Some city departments of tourism recognize the need for 'walking or running' vacations. New Orleans is one. Here are some excerpts from Laurie Claverie, Editor of neworleansonline.com as she describes an active vacation in New Orleans. JOGGING OR WALKING IN NEW ORLEANS IS FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES The good news is: New Orleans was built along the Mississippi River, so the sights and sounds of the river permeate the city. There are thousands of hundred-year-old oak trees that shade the routes, even on the hottest days. The bad news is: the city is flat, so don't expect gorgeous hills or terrain. There are several places where walkers and runners can enjoy their sport. Here are just a couple: AUDOBON PARK Located in uptown New Orleans, this running path is 1.8 miles in length and wraps around some beautiful lagoons that are filled with ducks, geese and other wild life. The 400-acre site was designed in 1898 and has more than 4000 live oaks (many original to the design), bald cypress trees and native flowering plants. There are 17 exercise stations around the path, picnic tables and shelters and some fabulous climbing equipment. ARBORETUM TRAIL ... Built in 1938, this has been a destination for walkers, joggers, bird watchers and families. Along the two and a half mile path, runners see wood duck, owls and native flora and fauna, along with gorgeous moss-draped oak trees. Be sure to visit Story Land, a beautiful park where your child's favorite nursery rhymes come to life. And don't miss the small amusement park, featuring one of the oldest and most beautifully restored carousels in the country. New Orleans is a wonderful destination for families; with plenty to see and do. Why not look around your town? See what it has to offer to pedestrians. Think about how safe it is for our children. Then decide what you can do to make it better. Photo (right):Walk to School Day, Florida LINKS Safe Routes to School walkboston.org railtrails.org Child Transportation Safety Tips Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Links Walk to School Day 2002 Walking/Jogging Paths in New Orleans, Louisiana Importance of Exercise for people with Diabetes. REFERENCE U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity 2001, Rockville Maryland, P. XIII For more see Issue 112 of RIDE magazine.