In September 2009, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released Local Government Actions to Prevent Childhood Obesity, a report that identifies specific actions that local governments can take to increase physical activity and improve healthy eating in communities. 

The America Needs Complete Streets report written by Dan Burden and Todd Litman was published in the April 2011 edition of ITE Journal. 

Key takeaway:

• The inclusion of equity as a stated goal is emerging in pedestrian and bicycle plans across the country. This report recommends that plans include more details about the process of defining equity and improving data for equity-related performance measures. 

Key takeaway:

• The prevalence of biking and walking for transportation varies by different national datasets.

In April 2011, the National Afterschool Association released physical activity standards for afterschool programs and summer camps, but many of the existing standards and policies lack clearly defined benchmarks. 

In this study, a school choice policy that decreased the overall distance from students’ residences to school was not associated with significant changes in active commuting. Even though commute distance is often associated with active travel to school, this study shows that other policies and education/engagement programs might 

School environments that support active commuting best encourage young people’s participation in different types of physical activities. 

This guide offers practical tools for adult facilitators to support middle school students in the promotion of safe walking, bicycling, and public transit use to and from school. Student-led campaigns can generate enthusiasm and improve the social conditions for a Safe Routes to School program!

KEY TAKEAWAY:

Regular participation in physical activity and higher levels of physical fitness have been linked to improved academic performance and brain function, including attention and memory.

Factors associated with motor-vehicle collisions involving child pedestrians may differ by mid-block or intersection location, which may be an important consideration for safe walks to school.

Perceptions about safety and aesthetics of the neighborhood environment can influence physical activity in children and adults.

Key Takeaway:

• School policy to support shared use and SRTS can promote student safety and reduce school administrators’ liability concerns.

The Active Transportation Program (ATP) is a statewide grant program that encourages bicycling and walking, especially for children traveling to school and for residents of disadvantaged communities.

Key takeaway: Exposure to bullying may be a barrier to biking and walking to school.

KEY TAKEAWAY:

• Physical activity is a win-win for students and teachers.

Aspects of the built environment, including residential density, intersection density, and neighborhood walkability, are associated with increased walking and biking among teens.

Attitudes toward bicycling may be influenced by crashes and other incidents experienced throughout the life course.

In this study, children living in dense, urban areas were more likely to participate in active transportation to school and for other purposes. Children’s preferences for autonomy and independent travel are related to parental confidence in their ability to travel independently.

In this study, characteristics of the built environment en route to school were connected with likelihood of walking or cycling to school more strongly than the built environment around homes.
Better public transportation access may influence the likelihood of walking or cycling to school.

Biking and walking to school may vary by factors like distance to school, speed of traffic, school encouragement, and children asking permission.