ROSEBURG, Ore. (KMTR) -- Every October, thousands of schools in more than 40 countries around the world participate in International Walk to School Day.Organized by a Partnership for a Walkable America, the day aims to encourage kids to either bike or walk to school, rather than riding inside a vehicle.
The number of students walking to school has dropped drastically since the 1970s. Nearly half of all students walked then, while less than a quarter of students walk to school today.
“There are health issues related to that as well as environmental issues,” says Burt Tate, a member of the Roseburg Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition.
“A lot more traffic on the road, a lot more pollution, children tend to be gaining more weight, they're not exercising as much, they're not arriving to school in an alert fashion."
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that kids get at least one hour of physical activity each day. Walk to School Day aims remind families that walking to school is a great way to get kids moving.
Five schools in Roseburg are taking part in International Walk to School Day Wednesday, October 3. Check out walkbiketoschool.org for the list of school participating in your area.
