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Notice to Readers: Walk to School Day --- October 2, 2001
October 2 has been designated International Walk to School Day. The goal of
this event is to increase public awareness of the importance of regular physical activity
for children, improve pedestrian safety, and create more walkable communities. This
year, an estimated 20 countries and 49 states will participate by encouraging children
to walk or bike to school in a safe, supportive environment.
CDC supports Walk to School Day and walking and biking to school
year-long through the KidsWalk-to-School program, which is a part of CDC's Active
Community Environments (ACEs) initiative. ACEs is exploring how policies and the design of
new and existing communities can promote physical activity for recreation and
utilitarian purposes. KidsWalk-to-School is a community-based program that encourages
and promotes walking and biking to school. As part of the program, communities
build partnerships with schools, local police, public works, politicians, businesses, and
civic associations to create an environment that supports safe and active travel to
school. The program was developed in response to low rates of walking, inadequate levels
of physical activity, and a 50% increase in the proportion of children who are
overweight since the late 1970s.
Many states are implementing walk-to-school efforts. For example, California
is piloting Safe Routes to School Legislation, which allocates a percentage of
TEA-21 federal highway funds to improve pedestrian safety near schools. Similar legislation
is pending in Georgia, Maryland, and Montana.
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