Health & Safety

Health

It is well documented that healthy exercise and eating habits at an early age lead to a lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle. There is also wide spread agreement among health officials that everyone should have at least 30 minutes of physical exercise everyday, and that children need at least an additional 20 minutes several days per week. 78% of children do not meet this recommended dose.

Biking and walking are excellent forms of exercise as they stimulate and maintain muscular strength and good joint function. Bicycling does not provoke hip, knee, or other weight bearing injuries. It is easy exercise to maintain throughout life. Physical activity contributes to higher self-esteem, and reduces anxiety and stress. Physical activity helps kids concentrate, makes them stronger and energetic, and prevents or reduces weight gain.

A Safe Routes to School Program can do wonders for your child's health!

Safety

Safety is number one when it comes to Safe Routes to School! It is very important that children and adults understand and follow basic safety rules. This includes how and where to cross streets, understanding traffic signals and controls, and driver behavior.

Children often act before thinking and their behavior is not always predictable. Their side vision is one-third narrower than that of an adult's, and they can't judge speed or determine the direction of sounds as well.

When children walk in groups they are more visible to adults and increases driver compliance with stopping at crosswalks. It helps justify the installation of more pedestrian-related facilities!

Bike helmets can save lives and their correct use reduces the risk of head injuries by 85%.

Check out the links below for important information.

Bicycle Helmets

Wearing a helmet is always a good idea and can significantly reduce injuries and death.

• Tips on fitting Bicycle Helmets
• Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
• kidshealth.org
• CDC on Bike Helmets
• Helmet Laws by Jurisdiction in Washington State - check here for helmet laws in your city/county

Research

• Making Walking and Cycling Safer: Lessons from Europe [PDF]

Information for police (public safety professionals):

Also, data on bicycle usage (BGT counts, seattle bike counts, etc.

Guidelines for transportation design: