The days of kids walking to school aren't quite gone yet, with some help from the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Yes, walking counts as transportation, and walking to school is something the state--and federal government--wants to encourage. Besides promoting physical fitness for kids, it might help shape a generation used to walking and biking instead of driving.
"Safe Routes is a great program that empowers schools to provide pedestrian safety campaigns with proven track records," says state transportation director Kirk Steudle. "MDOT is pleased to participate in this effort to encourage children to be more active and get regular exercise for good health."
Safe Routes to School mini-grants are going to 15 Michigan schools, and among them are schools in Alger and Chippewa counties. William G. Mather Elementary School in Munising and Washington Elementary School in Sault Ste. Marie each will get about $4,200 in federal funding to start a "Walking School Bus" program.
The programs have kids walk along pre-designated routes to school, with a timetable, meeting points and adult volunteers supervising along the way, in response to safety concerns with young kids walking to school in some areas.
Among the agencies pitching in to the Walking School Bus efforts are MDOT, the Michigan Fitness Foundation, schools, neighborhood associations, student, teacher and parent groups, and local law enforcement agencies.
The other schools getting mini-grants are in Traverse City, Holt, Northwest, Ludington, Fremont, Rogers City, Saginaw, Centreville, Highland Park, Detroit and Cadillac.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Kirk Steudle, Michigan Department of Transportation
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