\nVery few children walk or bike to school today. But this
\nwasn’t always the case. In 1969, according to the National
\nHousehold Travel Survey, approximately 50 percent
\nof children in the U.S. got to school by walking or
\nbicycling. By 2001, only about 15 percent of students
\ntraveled to school by walking or bicycling. As a result,
\nkids today are less active and less independent. Over the
\npast 40 years, rates of obesity have soared among children
\nof all ages in the United States, and approximately
\n25 million children and adolescents are now either
\noverweight or obese.<\/p>\n
The increasing trend of driving kids to school also has
\nother serious implications for health and safety. As much
\nas 20 to 30 percent of morning traffic can be generated
\nby parents driving their children to schools, and in the
\nUnited States, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause
\nof death for children ages 3 to 14.
\n
…
\n
Studies have shown that physical activity during youth
\nplays a critical role in the development of strong bones,
\ncardiovascular health and overall physical development.
\nBut today, sedentary lifestyles for both children and adults
\nare, unfortunately, the cultural norm. In fact, on average,
\nthe majority of U.S. children now spend more time each
\nday watching television and playing video games than
\nthey do in school.\n<\/p>\n