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1. It's Fun! Walking and biking are fun ways to travel. There's so much to see, smell, touch, think and talk about along the way.
2. It's Healthy. Walking and biking are great ways to get fit or to stay strong and healthy. Regular exercise, even 10 minutes at a time, helps your heart, lungs, and bones.
3. It's Educational. An active start to the day improves mood, concentration, creativity, and problem solving abilities. (That's true for adults, too!) Education doesn't have to start inside the school grounds; children can learn about their neighborhood and become more self-reliant.
4. It's Non-polluting. Walking and biking trips cause no harmful emissions! Also, walkers and cyclists breathe less polluted air than people inside an idling or slow moving car sitting in Kiss and Ride.
5. It's Neighborly. Walking enables children and adults to make new friends and get to know their neighbors. Fewer cars outside the school entrance can improve the school's traffic problems, and it is safer for other children who walk and bike.
6. It's Less Stressful. Coordinating drop-off and pick-up schedules and driving in commute traffic can be a hassle for both children and adults.
7. It's a Chance to Teach and Learn Road Skills. Adults get to teach traffic safety and step out from the driver's perspective to get their children's point of view. Children can practice road safety skills before venturing out on their own.
8. It's Convenient. Children who walk or bike can go wherever they need to go, whenever they need to be there-whether it's school, home, the library or the ball field.
9. It's Economical. Fewer trips= lower gasoline costs. Each time you walk or bike instead of use a car you save money on gas and maintenance. When more children walk and bike regularly, schools can save money by having fewer buses provided the infrastructure is there to allow a safe route.
10. It's Safer. The presence of walkers and cyclists cues drivers to slow their speeds and use caution. Neighborhoods become a safe place where everyone can safely play, live, and travel throughout the week, not just during school commute times.
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