Streetfilms: Walk to School Day in San Francisco

A generation ago, nearly half of all U.S. kids walked or bicycled to school. Today, less than fifteen percent do, with the majority arriving at school in private automobiles. It’s no coincidence, then, that studies show more than a quarter of San Francisco’s children are overweight. But a new program hopes to change that trend, while reducing greenhouse gas pollution and increasing fun.

By John Hamilton

2:02 PM PDT on October 13, 2009

A generation ago, nearly half of all U.S. kids walked or bicycled to
school. Today, less than fifteen percent do, with the majority arriving
at school in private automobiles. It’s no coincidence, then, that
studies show more than a quarter of San Francisco’s children are
overweight. But a new program hopes to change that trend, while reducing greenhouse
gas pollution and increasing fun.

With the help of a $500,000 grant from the federal government, San
Francisco has launched its own “Safe Routes to Schools” program, aimed at
encouraging students and parents to walk or bike to school.

At Longfellow Elementary last Wednesday, October 7th, students joined
parents on a “walking school bus.” Although the date was part of
International Walk to School Day, organizers plan group walks to
school every Wednesday—with the ultimate goal of walking to school
every day.