Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

The Simple Joy of Walking and Biking to School

One of the biggest sacrifices we've made in the United States to prioritize the movement of automobiles over active transportation is the health and safety of children. Biking and walking to school has become increasingly rare while childhood obesity is on its way to becoming the norm.

false

But for at least one day a year, thousands of kids delight in getting to school under their own power. On Wednesday there were more than 1,700 separate walk and bike to school events held around the country.

Here's a report from one of the leading states, courtesy of LeAnne Fergason at BTA Oregon:

The Bicycle Transportation Alliance and the Walk+Bike Network are excited to announce that 260 Oregon schools participated in the 2013 International Walk+Bike to School Day on October 9th, coming in 4th in state-wide participation, just behind California (519 schools), Florida (284), and South Carolina (277)!

The BTA has been working since 1998 to encourage students to walk and bike on International Walk+Bike to School Day. Participation has increased from 47 schools and 7,000 students in 2004 to what we saw yesterday when 20% of Oregon’s 1,305 schools participated.

Maybe the best part of all was the students' reactions. Fergason offered this sampling:

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Bike-Share Should Belong to the People Who Need It Most

If we want bike-share to thrive, we have to treat it as the public good it is. That means public investment, strong labor standards, meaningful community partnerships, and deep respect for the people who make the system work.

May 13, 2025

This Week In Livable Streets

CicLAvia Pico Union, Rail-2-Rail opening, Metro board committees, Bike to Work Day, and more.

May 12, 2025

Beach Streets West Long Beach – Open Thread

Long Beach's first West LB Beach Streets saw thousands of people take to the car-free streets, mostly via bicycle, but also many on foot, skates, scooters, and more

May 12, 2025
See all posts