Title: Why Safe Routes to School?
1Why Safe Routes to School?
2U.S. youth overweight rates
3Overweight children have an increased risk of
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Low self esteem
- Aggravating existing asthma
- Sleep apnea
- Decreased physical functioning
- Many other negative emotional physical effects
4Physical activity recommendation for children
- At least 60 minutes of physical activity on most,
preferably all, days of the week. - (US Depts. of Health and Human Services and
Agriculture, 2005)
5Promoting safe walking and bicycling is an ideal
strategy to increase physical activity.
6Fewer kids are biking and walking. More parents
are driving.
- 2001
- 16 walked
- 1969
- 42 walked
- (CDC, 2005)
7Barriers Distance (62)
Students who live within 1 mile and walk or bike
2001 63 1969 87 (CDC, 2005)
8Barriers - Traffic danger (30)
9Barriers - Adverse weather(19)
10Barriers-Fear of crime danger (12)
- Both perceptions and realities
- Some low probability events provoke the greatest
fears - Communities are finding ways to safeguard against
these fears
11Creating a SRTS Program
- Involve the community and school
- Utilize existing committees
- Trail
- City public works map the community
- Neighborhood watch
- Identify projects that are needed
- Map the community
- Promote with students and families
- Reflect, make needed changes and keep moving
forward
12Encourage more children to walk or bike to
school-healthy and active lifestyles
Safe Routes to School Programs Outcomes
Make walking and bicycling safe ways to get to
school-improve community environment