Obesity rates among children have quadrupled since 1970 due in a large part to the decline of regular, physical activity among school-age children. Promoting active transportation may be one of the most effective ways to reduce the meteoric rise of obesity and diabetes among both children and adults. Safe Routes to School is a federally-sponsored, community-based program designed to increase bicycling and walking rates among elementary school students. Parents help create a bike- and walk-friendly atmosphere by commuting with their children and their neighbors’ children. Local government responds by providing necessary traffic enforcement, education efforts, and infrastructure improvements.
