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Do we need safe routes to school?
Posted by Paul Taylor on August 13, 2008
Would you rather see kid arriving at school on a bike, on foot, or exiting a SUV? Many folks prefer the SUV (or even a Prius) because it is safer.
Here’s an interesting opinion piece from the Wall Steet Journal, arguing that Safe Kids Are Becoming Fat Kids.
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Adam Bee said
I almost totally agree with that piece. I wouldn’t say that the causal connection between safety and obesity is strong, but it’s there.
Anecdotally, my parents were loath to let my younger siblings out of the house growing up. Going for long bike rides or runs seemed to them like a good way to end up in the back of a kidnapper’s van. Now they’re all sorta chubby, with no exercise habits.
It’s all about trade-offs. The risk of injury vs. the risk of life-shortening obesity. I really think one of the bigger problems is also our liability system. If we get universal healthcare that may change our liability system dramatically for the better. I hear that New Zealand’s universal healthcare is a major boost to outdoor activities there, for example.
Paul Taylor said
Interesting thought on liability Adam. I hadn’t considered that aspect, but I’m sure you are absolutely right. Do playground administrators remove merry-go-rounds to reduce injuries, or to avoid liability suits?
Will Wall said
I remember reading somewhere that the risk of dying related to bicycling is actually lower than the risks produced by a sedentary lifestyle.