Not long ago, children routinely biked or walked to and from school.  In 1969, 42 percent of children 5 to 18 years of age walked or bicycled to school. By 2001 only 16 percent of children 5 to 18 years of age traveled to school by foot or bike.

Many factors have contributed to the reduction in children walking and bicycling to school.  When asked, parents cite distance to school, traffic, weather, crime & school policies as the primary reasons their children don’t walk or bike to school

Why Walk or Bike to School??

Children today are not as active as they once were.  Experts recommend that children engage in 60 minutes of activity most days.  By walking or biking to school children build activity into their day without having to “exercise”.  Walking or biking to school also helps children become more confident and independent.  It helps reduce traffic congestion around schools thereby improving air quality.  (Children & adults with asthma are particularly sensitive to poor air quality.)  More children walking and biking to school also reduces school district transportation costs.

Safe Routes to School Programs in the Coulee Region...

Safe Routes to School Programs are designed to give children safe routes to travel to & from school.  By encouraging children to safely walk or bike to school, we activate children’s lifestyles at a time when childhood obesity is rising.  Several Coulee Region schools are currently working with area groups to develop Safe Routes to School Programs. 

Coulee Region Safe Routes to School Programs:

·        Irving Pertzsch Elementary School, Onalaska

·        Franklin Elementary School, La Crosse

·        State Road Elementary, La Crosse