• Bicycles are associated with more childhood injuries than any consumer product except the automobile.
• Fewer than 15 percent of all school trips are made by walking or bicycling. One-quarter are made on a school bus, and over half of all children arrive at school in private automobiles. (2001 National Household Travel Survey conducted by Federal Highway Administration)
• In 2001, 134 children ages 14 and under died in bicycle-related accidents. In 2002, nearly 289,000 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries. (Mississippi Safe Kids)
• In Mississippi, 4 out of 10 children are at risk of becoming overweight, or are obese.
• Safe Routes to School program encourages physical activity by choosing safe routes to walk to school rather than riding the school bus, thus reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in the vicinity of schools.

Bicycle Rodeo

A bicycle rodeo is a lesson in bicycle safety, which usually features bike inspections, safety lectures, and a miniature course that children can use to practice cycling safely. Optional activities could include helmet fitting, prizes and drawings, and in some cases commercial bike shop booths to give expert advice on using bicycle equipment properly.

Walk-a-thons

A walk-a-thon is an activity used to create a fun atmosphere while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle in children.

Walk-to-School Day

Walk-to-School Day is a one day event where children, parents, teachers, and community leaders walk to school together to promote being active and making streets more friendly for walking and bicycling.

Walking School Buses

A walking school bus is a small group of students, accompanied by one or more adults on their walk to and from school.

Planning and Guides

• Steps to Creating a Safe Routes to School Program
• Bikeability Checklist
• Walkability Checklist

Links to More Resources

• MDOT Safe Routes to School Program
• National Center for Safe Routes to School
• Safe Routes to School Overview (PDF) – Mississippi Department of Transportation
• International Walk to School Website
• Kids Walk-to-School Program – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

For more information about the Safe Routes to School programs and services, contact:

• MSDH Safe Routes program coordinator: (601) 576-7781
• Mississippi Safe Routes program: www.mdottrafficsafety.com
  cleffler@mdot.state.ms.us
  601-359-1454

• Request a Safe Routes Event
  Schedule a Bicycle Safety or Pedestrian Safety presentation at your school or organization