Should Children Bike or Walk to School?

With evidence suggesting student performance improves with some exercise on the way to school, Patch asked readers of its Facebook page in Highland Park and Deerfield what they thought of the idea.

A Dutch study done a year ago indicates a positive relationship between physical activity and academic performance while a review of current literature by the Center for Disease Control showed a constructive relationship between exercise and schoolwork, according to a story in Bike Delaware.

People commenting in the Highland Park Patch Facebook page generally agreed with the premise. “We need to go back to this,” wrote Elena Zaremski in response to a statement less children ride now than in the past. “Give kids the responsibility of getting to school on time and also provides much needed exercise.”

Deborah Flynn put the answer in simpler terms. “Less bikes … heavier kids,” she wrote.

Though many agree, Lisa Hirsch voiced a concern. “How about crazy pedophiles who try and snatch our kids,” she wrote.

Barry Grossman of Deerfield sees other benefits stemming from children walking or cycling to school. “Those kids (who are driven) do not get to reflect on the day or get lost in their own thoughts if walking alone, or socialize if walking with a friend or neighbor,” he writes on the Deerfield Patch Facebook page.

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