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.
FULL STORY: Walking to school, three generations
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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