Idaho has a long history of being a place where kids can play safely outdoors. Many adults who grew up in our state remember childhoods of playing outside from sunrise to sunset, riding bikes with friends and traveling independently to the local stores for treats. In the past nearly 50% of US children walked or biked to school, now it is less than 15%. Our state has seen tremendous change in the last few decades, and the growth pattern has resulted in less walkable and bikeable communities. Children are increasingly confined to the neighborhoods they live in and sometimes to just a few short blocks on either side of their home.
So, what are the benefits of more children walking, biking, and rolling?
Health
Taking active transportation to school can add up to 60 minutes of additional physical activity. This supports better physical health, as well as helps students arrive at school alert and ready to learn.
Safety
Increasing student safety knowledge while making the built environment to and from school safer, increases safety and physical activity opportunities for everyone. Safe streets benefit parents, dog walkers, joggers and drivers!
Family
For parents and caregivers, having a safe route for their children to walk or bike means less time in the car, decreased fuel costs and less time in traffic at the school pick up and drop off.
Environment
Safe routes to schools can reduce vehicle emissions, especially on school grounds where time spent idling in the pick-up and drop-off lane can be lengthy.
Financial
The financial benefits of safe routes to schools are captured by families, school districts and the general public. When children can walk and bike safely families spend less money on fuel costs, school districts spend less money on bussing and the taxes paid by the public can be redirected towards other needs.
What can you do?
If you are interested in learning more about SRTS in your community reach out to your school leadership, your local highway district or contact us through this website. There are many ways people can incorporate SRTS into their communities without relying on a formal program.