Kids safely ride their bikes to school on California's Stevens Creek Trail and Wildlife Corridor
	History of Safe  Routes to School
	June 18, 2003 — Congressman James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.) introduced his "Safe Routes to School" bill to Congress, calling for $250 million each year for all fifty states to cultivate the habit of bicycling and walking for fun and transportation among children. A long-time supporter of bicycle advocates and trail builders, Oberstar predicts, "With this bill we can change the lifestyle habits of an entire generation." Click here to read his letter in support of this bill. The bill was released with the support of America Bikes, a coalition of non-motorized transportation advocacy organizations — including Rails-to-Trails Conservancy — that successfully advanced bicycle and pedestrian interests in the recent reauthorization of TEA-21.
	Related Links
	"Active Transportation for America"  RTC's groundbreaking report quantifying the benefits our nation would realize with increased walking and bicycling

Safe Routes to School:

Safe Routes to School programs are part of a national movement to get kids out of automobiles and back on their feet and their bikes. Neighborhood groups, district school systems, PTAs, local police departments, public works departments, civic associations, local politicians and businesses are working together to make streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists along school routes. These neighborhood connectors encourage parents and their children to take advantage of the many benefits of getting around on foot or by bike. The benefits include reduced traffic congestion, improved public health and safety, and increased opportunities for daily physical activity.

As recently as 30 years ago, an estimated two-thirds of children walked or rode their bicycles to school. In recent years, this number has plummeted dramatically to less than 10 percent. Parents often cite the fear of traffic as one of their top concerns in allowing their children to walk or bike to school. A recent study found parents "Note the importance of stronger education programs for both motorists and children, better enforcement of traffic laws, and projects and programs to help slow down the speed of residential traffic. Indeed, it is exactly this type of comprehensive approach to traffic safety problems that has been shown to be most effective in creating safer streets and promoting increased walking and bicycling among Americans of all ages." (The 2001 Summary of Safe Routes to School Programs in the United States, project of Transportation Alternatives).

Helping in this national effort is the Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The CDC developed a program guide to promote children walking to school. To obtain information about this program click on the related link below.