International Walking to School Day

Why is walking to school important? Thirty years ago, the sight of children walking or biking to school was common. In fact, nearly 90% of children who lived within a mile of school walked or rode their bikes to school. Physical inactivity is a contributing factor in developing obesity. Within the past 30 years the childhood obesity rate has increased dramatically, increasing our children’s risk for health problems associated with cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes.

In addition, participating in weight bearing physical activity such as walking is important for children and teens because it has the beneficial effects of adding bone strength. Physically active children are also more likely to remain active throughout adolescence and possibly into adulthood. Walking to school encourages physical activity as an integral part of a child's daily routine.

The CDC KidsWalk-to-School program supports the national goal of better health through physical activity.

The benefits of kids walking to school include

• Increased levels of daily physical activity for children.

• Increased likelihood that children and adults will choose to walk and bike for other short distance trips.

• Improved neighborhood safety.

• Fewer cars traveling through the neighborhood.

• Fewer cars congesting the pick-up and drop-off points at school.

• Friendlier neighborhoods as people get out and interact with one another.

Children and parents across the world will be participating in International Walk to School Month* in October. On Wednesday, October 3, 2007, join the nation in celebrating Walk to School Day*.

Featured Items:

  CDC's Kids Walk-to-School Program
To support the national goal of better health through physical activity, CDC's Nutrition and Physical Activity Program has developed KidsWalk-to-School. This is a community-based program that aims to increase opportunities for daily physical activity by encouraging children to walk to and from school in groups accompanied by adults.

The National Center to Safer Routes to School* The National Center for Safer Routes to School assists communities in enabling and encouraging children to safely walk and bike to school. The Center strives to equip Safe Routes to School programs with the knowledge and technical information to implement safe and successful strategies.

CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
Because children may walk to school year-round, they are at increased risk for pedestrian injuries—they need safer routes. You can help by learning more about these risks and steps you can take to promote pedestrian safety in your community.

Physical Activity Recommendations for Children and Adolescents
It is recommended that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most days of the week, preferably daily.

CDC's Division of Adolescent School Health Program: Physical Activity
Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence improves strength and endurance, helps build healthy bones and muscles, helps control weight, reduces anxiety and stress, increases self-esteem, and may improve blood pressure and cholesterol.