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Walking to School

Advocacy

Walking to school

Although it's not entirely a thing of the past to see children and teens walking to school, it is increasingly uncommon. According to data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the number of students who walk or bike to school decreased from 42% in 1969 to less than 15% in 2001.

Reversing this trend is a central objective of the national Safe Routes to School program, administered by the FHWA.

"Safe Routes to School helps provide communities with the resources they need to create a safe environment for students to walk or bike to school every day," said U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman James Oberstar. "Encouraging kids to walk or bike to school allows them to get daily exercise, reduces traffic and cuts down on air pollution. It also helps youngsters develop a healthier lifestyle early in life."

In 2008, approximately $150 million nationwide will be made available by the program for improvements to sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle crossings, traffic calming, bicycle lanes, bicycle parking facilities and activities to promote safe walking and bicycling.

AAA's educational programs on proper traffic interaction for schoolchildren complement FHWA's efforts. Children's programs for bicycle safety, Halloween safety and the School's Open-Drive Carefully campaign remind children and motorists of important traffic safety tips. For more information about Safe Routes to School, visit www.saferoutesinfo.org. To learn more about AAA's traffic safety efforts, visit www.aaa.com or call 303-753-8800, ext. 8105.