Monday, June 30, 2008
Food for thought
I know there are some families who can't walk or bike their kids to school because of schedules or geography. But it's worthwhile to think about whether or not it's possible for you to use your feet or bikes to get kids to school this fall. Not sure? Try out a route or two this summer. Ask your neighbors and fellow parents about walking or biking in a group; safety in numbers, right?
Here are some great thoughts from a fellow RC Biking Mom:
In 2004 42,800 died on the nation’s highways -- a far, far higher number than either pedestrians or cyclists. (In 2003, the number of pedestrians killed was 4,749.)
I remained amazed that people think being in a car is safer than walking. In spite of being surround by steel, air bags, etc., you are far more likely to be killed in a car than on the street. Given that every American who is not house-bound is a pedestrian at some point and not everyone rides in a car, the numbers are astounding.
The most dangerous way for children to get to school is in a car driven by a teenager. The second most dangerous way is in a car driven by an adult. Both biking and walking are safer for children and for adults -- plus, it cuts down the waistline....
gotta go walk to school -
Here are some great thoughts from a fellow RC Biking Mom:
In 2004 42,800 died on the nation’s highways -- a far, far higher number than either pedestrians or cyclists. (In 2003, the number of pedestrians killed was 4,749.)
I remained amazed that people think being in a car is safer than walking. In spite of being surround by steel, air bags, etc., you are far more likely to be killed in a car than on the street. Given that every American who is not house-bound is a pedestrian at some point and not everyone rides in a car, the numbers are astounding.
The most dangerous way for children to get to school is in a car driven by a teenager. The second most dangerous way is in a car driven by an adult. Both biking and walking are safer for children and for adults -- plus, it cuts down the waistline....
gotta go walk to school -
# posted by Kathy Schrenk @ 3:53 PM 
