Walking to School: Into the Wind, Uphill . . . Both Ways

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Walking to School Into the Wind, Uphill . . .
Both Ways

• Mark Fenton
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
• Univ. of North Carolina
• mark.fenton_at_verizon.net

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Physical activity recommendation for children
(1994 consensus conf.)

• Physically active everyday as part of lifestyle
  (30? 60? minutes).
• 20 minutes of vigorous activity, at least 3
  days/week.

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US Youth Overweight RatesJAMA 288 (14) Oct 9,
2002.
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US Youth Physical Activity Rates(CDC Youth Risk
Behavior Survey)
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US Youth Meeting Vigorous PA Recommendation(CDC
Youth Risk Behavior Survey)
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MI Youth Physical Activity Rates2001 YRBS
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Health Related Quality of Life for Obese vs.
Healthy ChildrenSchwimmer et.al., JAMA 289 (14)
April 9, 2003

• Obesity related issues
• Reduced physical function.
• Increased absenteeism.
• Reduced school performance.
• Increased diabetes, sleep apnea, tibia vara,
  glucose lipid imbalances, etc.

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Perhaps some better approaches

• Structured activity (P.E., recess).
• Motivation and skill to be active on their own.
• Active as a routine part of the day.

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What benefits accrue to kids who walk?

• Healthier, more fit.
• More alert at school, better performance.
• Better navigation, observation, social skills and
  development.
• Maybe better drivers.
• They like it!

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Why dont kids walk to school anymore? Parent
reported MMWR Aug. 2002, 4(32)701-704

• Active trips to school 14
• (Walking 11 cycling 3)
• Less than or equal to a mile
• 31 of trips.

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Barriers to Walking to SchoolParent reported
MMWR Aug. 2002, 4(32)701-704
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Walk to School Day Safe Routes to School
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WTS Level 1 One Day Events

• Build awareness.
• Increase demand for walkability.
• Launch coalitions.
• Remember (or discover) the fun!

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Rediscover the fun . . .
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WTS Level 2On-going Activities

• Continue promotional events.
• Launch walking school busses.
• Choose, designate safer routes.
• Use walkability checklists.

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Walking School Busses

• Schedules.
• First aid, safety training.
• Background checks.
• Retiree drivers

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E.g. Play (and learn) with Pedometers.
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Adding steps

• Math, Science Graphs, calculate averages,
  totals, velocities.
• Literature Essays, poetry.
• Geography Maps, orienteering.
• Biology, health Anatomy, fitness.