Walking to School: Into the Wind, Uphill... Both Ways Mark Fenton Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center Univ. of North Carolina

Surgeon General’s 1996 Activity Recommendation 30 minutes of activity. Most days of the week. Can be broken up. Reduced risk for CVD, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, clinical depression, some forms of cancer.

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.

US Youth Overweight Rates JAMA 288 (14); Oct 9, 2002.

US Youth Physical Activity Rates (CDC: Youth Risk Behavior Survey)

US Youth Meeting Vigorous PA Recommendation (CDC: Youth Risk Behavior Survey)

Health Related Quality of Life for Obese vs. Healthy Children Schwimmer 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.

Three keys for active children: Reduce inactive time (TV, videos). Provide ample, safe, inviting play environments. Allow exploration and success in a variety of activities.

Broad approaches to increasing children’s activity levels: Structured activity (sports, P.E., recess). Motivation & skill to be active on their own. Activity as a routine part of the day.

“Active Commuting to School: An Overlooked Source of Children’s Physical Activity?” Tudor-Locke, Ainsworth; Sports Med. 2001; 31(5). “... a programme of frequent walking (or bicycling), regardless of destination, is likely to be important in preventing and treating childhood obesity”

No one walks to school anymore... Parent reported; MMWR Aug. 2002, 4(32): Active trips to school: 14% (Walking 11%; cycling 3%) Less than or equal to a mile: 31% of trips.

Barriers to Walking to School Parent reported; MMWR Aug. 2002, 4(32):

Walk to School Day; Safe Routes to School

History of Walk to School 1997: PWA launches in Chicago, LA. 1998: Truly national event (25+ states). 1999: CA statewide conference. 2000: CA Safe Routes legislation. 2001: National demonstration projects. 2002: 3 million walkers, in 28 countries.

WTS Level 1: One Day Events Build awareness. Increase demand for walkability. Launch coalitions. Remember (or discover) the fun!

WTS Level 2: On-going Activities Continue promotional events. Launch walking school busses. Choose, designate safer routes. Use walkability checklists.

Walking School Busses: Schedule routes. First aid, safety training. Background checks. Retiree “drivers.”

Walk & Bike-ability checklists: Room to walk/ride? Able to cross? Traffic a problem? Safe, pleasant? Accommodating? Ample destinations?

WTS Level 3: Infrastructure Improvements Build, repair sidewalks and trails, remove barriers. Improve crosswalks, signals; hire crossing guards; calm traffic. Relocate auto drop-off areas; no idling policies & car-free zones.

We know how to make safer crossings.

Shorten distances. Divide the task. Slow the cars!

Vertical Traffic Calming: Speed bumps, humps, tables.

Horizontal Traffic Calming: Curvature, chicanes, diversions, bulb- outs, median refuges.

Traffic Controls: Signs, flashers, signals. Note pedestrian countdown timer...

Narrowing Lanes: Lane markings, wide sidewalks, trees, cars, “furniture,” buildings.

WTS Level 4: Institutional Change Hire non-motorized travel coordinator. Legislate Safe Routes to School funding (state, federal). Alter school siting, district, and size decisions.

Figure out where you are, and move up! One day event. On-going promotion. Infrastructure improvements. Institutional change.

Lesson 1: The physical activity argument. ~5,000 pedestrian deaths due to auto crashes. ~300,000 deaths due to sedentary lifestyles.

Lesson 2: Start with the Three P’s... Principal (school admin.) Parents (PTO/PTA). Police (safety).

Lesson 3:... but work with all the constituents. Safer streets. Local economic vitality. Cleaner environment. Greater social equity. Better students.

Who are the constituents? Neighborhood groups. Chamber of commerce. Conservation commission. Seniors, religious groups. Faculty, staff.

Church groups, Neighborhood, Seniors. Transport Engineering DPW’s Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Police, fire Land Use Trails & Greenways Parks & Rec. Planning Health, Schools

International Walk to School Day October 8,