Two generations ago, most children walked to school. But the numbers have dropped significantly.
Victor Dover, an urban designer, asked participants at a public event about whether they and their parents walked to school and whether their children walk to school now.
The findings suggest a dramatic decline in children walking to school. Over 85 percent of people’s parents walked to school, but only 61 percent of respondents say they walked to school. And they report that only 10 percent of their children walk to school today.
The informal survey is in line with related data and research about trends in children’s travel behavior. "Children used to regularly walk to school, which gave them exercise, independence, and a connection to their community. Now they almost always are driven, partly because our communities are not designed to be walkable, on a human scale," notes Robert Steuteville.
Read the full story: Walking to school, three generations
The number of kids walking to school dropped from over 50% to 11% since the 1960s
Unsafe pedestrian infrastructure makes walking to school dangerous or impossible for a growing number of American students.
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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Satanic Place Names
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California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
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Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
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FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority