New report gives kids “D” grade for using active transportation
Posted May 21, 2013 03:11:47 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – Active Healthy Kids Canada has released its report which finds less than half of today’s children walk or bike to school like their parents did.
The results show 28 per cent of kids will use active transportation, which is down from the 58 per cent when their parents were kids.
Dr. Mark Tremblay tells 1310News, school administrators have a role to play.
“Making sure bike racks are available at the school,” Tremblay suggested. “That they’re in highly visible areas to ensure they don’t get stolen or damaged.”
Part of the problem is the parents, according to Tremblay. He says many have the perception that driving their children to school is safer for their kids, but actually it increases traffic in school zones which heightens the risk of accidents.
The benefits are obvious according to Tremblay. He says by walking or biking to school, it can add up to 45 minutes of physical activity to their routine.
“Reconnect kids with nature, improve their fitness and assist the environment in doing so,” Tremblay said.
Click here to read the full report.
