Dave Peterson: Get Ready for School—Build Your Own Bus

Just get an old truck chassis, 19 sheets of exterior grade plywood, a box of nails and some yellow paint. 

Better yet, parents can team up and put together a walking school bus. A few parents or other responsible adults lead children on a designated and scheduled route to and from school. It is a great way to give kids the encouragement to walk, get some exercise, learn safe walking skills, see the best way to school and meet new friends.

Parents can also help organize a bike train. It is similar to a walking bus but using bicycles. (Remember that one of the best ways to get kids to wear their helmets is for them to see adults wearing helmets, too.)

Getting kids out and moving under their own power is really important. Obesity and the related health problems are increasing at alarming rates. Diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes once were extremely rare in children but are now commonplace. In addition to the obvious physical benefits, exercise also helps mood and alertness.  Getting out and around helps kids gain important knowledge of the neighborhood and safe ways to deal with traffic and the world in general.

The CDC notes: "Thirty years ago, the sight of children walking or biking to school was common. In fact, nearly 90% of children who lived within a mile of school used active transportation (i.e., walking or bicycling) as their primary mode of travel (USDOT, 1972). In recent years, the rate of active transport has declined dramatically."

The study shows, in spite of common beliefs, children are safer now than in 1969, yet they are far less likely to walk or bike to school.

Many factors are involved but the trend can be reversed by involved parents. Walk or bike with your children. Contact your local officials to encourage them to provide pedestrian and bike friendly routes, not only to school but all around town.  Support organizations that are working to improve awareness and funding for better facilities.

Here are some links to get you started:

• http://www.walkingschoolbus.org/
• http://www.walknbike.org/
• http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/
• http://www.activetrans.org/saferoutes/parentsteachers
• http://www.makingkanefitforkids.org/
• http://guide.saferoutesinfo.org/encouragement/walking_school_bus_or_bicycle_train.cfm
• http://www.biketrainpdx.org/
• http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/kidswalk/then_and_now.htm
• The League of Illinois Bicyclists - http://www.bikelib.org/