Not many kids at my child’s school walk or bike to school. What can I do to help increase those numbers?

Trailnet offers free workshops detailing how to increase walking and biking in your school or organization.  Contact Taylor March at taylor@trailnet.org for information.

There are several things you can do to help increase the number of kids walking and biking to your neighborhood school.

• Talk to the principal about what the school policy is for kids walking and biking to school.  Some school districts discourage children from biking and walking to school. Find out what the principal thinks and be sure to have him or her on board before proceeding.
• Take the idea to the PTO, it’s always better to have support from a larger group. There may already be other people addressing the issue.
• Understand the barriers that keep neighborhood kids from walking and biking. It’s always best to understand the barriers kids and parents face before beginning to encourage walking and biking.
• Work with parents, community officials, neighborhood organizations and school staff to remove the barriers.
• Plan fun activities that encourage kids and parents to walk and bike to school.  Potential activities can range from simple encouragement, in-class announcements, letters home, contests between classes, and Family Walk to School Days.

Find out more from the National Center for Safe Routes to School.