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Sep 8, 2008 5:41 pm US/Central
Program Encourages Bus Students To Walk, Bike
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
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The report also highlights the benefits other districts in the country have seen from the program, like less traffic congestion around schools, reduced school transportation costs, more active parent involvement, and safer neighborhoods.
CBS
A new school year comes with a new way for some kids to get to school. Minneapolis Public Schools hope they walk or bike to school, instead of taking the bus or riding in the car.
On Monday morning, Superintendent Dr. Bill Green walked with the Bard family to Nellie Stone Johnson Community School in North Minneapolis.
First-grader Destiny Bard has a new backpack and shoes. Her mother, Latonye Bard, has mapped out her route to class, which is only eight blocks from their home.
"Walk to school everyday," she said about her family's plans. "Walking is good exercise. It gets the heart going, you know? And that's something they need to do is walk, so they can be started and ready to go once they get to school."
The Bard family is a prime example of what Minneapolis Public School administrators want to see more of, especially since a good majority of the district's 35,000 students take the bus to school.
Health is a big reason to choose walking. Experts say children who are more active are less obese, and when they walk there's less need for cars and buses, and then less contaminants are released into the air.
The city and district are working together on the Safe Routes to Schools Initiative, part of a national campaign now underway in Minneapolis.
A recent report highlights just how to make it easier for kids to walk. Some of the things suggested include addressing crime and neighborhood dangers with police, marking the best routes, and providing incentives, like free bikes and helmets, along with a place for students to store their things while they're in class.
The report also highlights the benefits other districts in the country have seen from the program, like less traffic congestion around schools, reduced school transportation costs, more active parent involvement and safer neighborhoods.
Minneapolis' South High School is a good example of what works. At one time about 30 students rode their bikes to school everyday. That number went up dramatically when school administrators put in new bike racks. Now about 150 students bike to school daily.
District leaders are working with police to have extra patrols near schools that are in areas with high crime. The city and district will be giving out bikes, locks and helmets next month to some lucky students at some elementary and middle schools. Main routes through neighborhoods and to schools are also being developed.
District leaders hope their idea catches on with more students and parents, but Latonye Bard doesn't need any more persuading.
"Be involved with your kids, that's it. Got to be more involved," she said.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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