The Michigan Environmental Council has joined forces with over 50 organizations statewide to help Michigan's children walk and bike to school safely. "Safe Routes to School" is a national movement dedicated to making it safe, convenient and fun for children to bicycle and walk to school. MEC is proud to be a part of the statewide coalition leading this effort.

A successful Safe Routes to School program benefits children in several ways. When routes are safe, walking or biking to and from school every day is an easy way to get the regular physical activity children need for good health. Studies have shown that physically active kids have improved mood and concentration, a stronger self-image and more self-confidence. Physically active kids also have fewer chronic health problems and report lower levels of smoking and alcohol consumption.

Research shows that walking or biking is children's preferred method of getting to school, largely because they recognize that there's so much to see, smell, touch, think and talk about. By walking with friends, children build relationships and learn more about their neighborhood, friends and themselves.

Unfortunately, there are many barriers for children wishing to walk or bike to school, and poor land use planning and a decline in the role of neighborhood schools are among them. MEC sees our involvement in this important initiative as a demonstration of our commitment to removing barriers like low-density and poorly integrated urban sprawl, increasing traffic congestion, violence, crime and poorly planned intersections.

For more information on Safe Routes to School, contact the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports at (517) 347-7891 or visit the Michigan Safe Routes to School web site at www.saferoutesmichigan.org. You can also contact Brad Garmon, MEC's Land Programs Director, at bradmec@voyager.net.