This document describes ways that parents can get involved in policy change and improvements to the built environment to enable and encourage more walking and bicycling, which is a healthy form of physical activity.
Tens of thousands of Safe Routes to School programs are being established throughout the country as more and more schools, cities, parents, and students embrace the Safe Routes to School movement. Naturally, as programs evolve and schools begin to see increased participation, it becomes more important to make sure that policies that support students walking and bicycling are not only in place, but also effective. It is also important to enhance the built environment around schools so that there are more sidewalks, bike lanes, pathways and safer street crossings.