Blog
Submitted on Wed, 10/21/2015 - 15:30 by Christina Galardi

Using the Research to Make a Strong Case for Safe Routes to School

This guest blog post was written by our research advisor, Christina Galardi.

In advocating for Safe Routes to School programs in your area, you might face two major questions from school administrators, local planners, or political leaders:

  1. Will Safe Routes to School really increase students’ rates of walking and biking to school?
  2. Is Safe Routes to School worth the investment?

Two rigorous research studies published in the past year provide evidence for the health and economic benefits of Safe Routes to School to support your response.

Submitted on Thu, 02/04/2016 - 14:55 by Kate Moening

Let It Snow: Ways to Help Walking in the Winter Months

Snow has been in the news lately, and communities, Safe Routes to School Programs, and walking advocates are stepping up and sharing solutions and tips for students and residents to walk safely in the snow. Personal preparation and community education and engagement are the best solutions to walking during the winter months.

Submitted on Tue, 06/14/2016 - 10:17 by Christina Galardi

Why is “Safety” So Complex?

Look both ways. Wear your helmet. We’ve all heard these maxims about safety, and probably shared them a time or two.

Aside from distance to school, safety is a leading factor for both adults and children in the decision to participate in physical activity and walk or bike to school (Nasar, 2015; Zhou et al., 2009). However, adopting those individual protective behaviors will not provide an easy solution. This blog post will unpack three reasons why the concept of safety, particularly in the context of safe travel to school, can be challenging to conceptualize and achieve.