The recently approved federal education law includes a provision that allows students to take alternative forms of transportation to and from school with parental permission.
"It’s now legal for your kids to walk to school," reports Lenore Skenazy.
"Yep, it’s right there on page 857 of the gazillion-page Every Student Succeeds Act. Sponsored by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) — a fan of the Free-Range Kids movement I started," adds Skenazy, "it states that the law will not 'prohibit a child from traveling to and from school on foot or by car, bus, or bike when . . . the parents have given permission.'"
The article provides all the background on how it ever became a question of law to allow children to walk to and from school. Access to the debate on the subject can be found in the "Related" links below.
Angie Schmitt followed up on the scoop by Skenazy with coverage of the potential effectiveness of the federal legislation, surveying attorneys about whether "the new rule was likely to prevent local police departments from coming down on parents who allow their children to do things like walk to school and play unsupervised." Both lawyers Schmitt spoke to described limitations to the new law. Schmitt also spoke with Skenazy to get her take on how effective the law could be.
Charlie Sorrel also picked up on the news, writing for FastCo.Exist.
FULL STORY: Your kids can walk to school alone again
How Seattle Achieved Safe Routes to School Goal
SDOT has installed safety improvements at more than 260 public schools since 2015.
School District Takes on Traffic Safety
A school district in North Carolina is leading an effort to improve road safety for students and school staff who walk or bike to school.
Should There Be a Minimum Age to Ride the Bus Unsupervised?
In a controversy that recalls the ongoing debate about "free range children," B.C.'s Ministry of Children and Family Development is telling one family that their kids aren't old enough to ride the bus alone.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie