Texas Governor Rick Perry recently demonstrated his concern for children’s health and safety by signing a proclamation which decrees Thursday, April 27, 2006 to be Bike & Walk to School Day in Texas.

In part, the proclamation states:
“As families increase their levels of activity, one option they may wish to pursue is to encourage their children to bike or walk to school. Ensuring that children can do so safely requires parental, neighborhood and community-wide support. To increase awareness of this fitness option, April has been dedicated for an educational campaign.”

A copy of the proclamation and a complete Texas Bike & Walk to School Day resource guide including flyers, a poster, instructions, FAQs and resources for teachers are available at www.BikeTexas.org or by clicking the banner on the front page. Texas Bike & Walk to School Day is based upon the popular International Walk to School Day, held every October, now in its sixth year.

The success of the event is guaranteed by parental encouragement and student enthusiasm. Parents need to be involved in organizing the event locally, which is as simple as getting the word out to other parents and the community. An effective way to promote the event to children is to distribute and discuss traffic safety information. Handouts on helmet fit, bike safety check over and Texas bicycle laws are also available at www.BikeTexas.org.

Texas Bike & Walk to School Day is an excellent opportunity for students to organize themselves into groups that bike or walk together. Traveling to school with friends is safer because a group is more visible and students can look out for one another. Students enjoy spending extra time with their friends and learn personal responsibility by transporting themselves to school on bicycle or on foot instead of being driven.

Driving to school has become such a habit in our society that we fail to consider the benefits of biking and walking. Sedentary lifestyles are resulting in epidemic rates of childhood obesity and related health disorders. According to the Texas Agriculture Commissioner, a staggering 38 percent of Texas fourth graders are overweight, compared to 11 percent of fourth graders nationwide. Routine physical activity such as bicycling or walking to school combats child obesity and related health disorders. Children who engage in morning activity also arrive at school more alert and ready to learn.

Our children deserve the opportunity to travel safely and independently. To participate in Texas Bike & Walk to School Day, visit www.BikeTexas.org to sign up your school and learn how to become involved.