When physical education programs include Safe Routes to School, both programs achieve their goals.
Like physical education, Safe Routes to School supports increased physical activity, develops healthy habits that can last a lifetime, and decreases the risk of chronic disease and obesity.1 Because Safe Routes to School aims to get more kids walking and biking to school, it helps to ensure students get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day and arrive at school ready to learn.2
1. Alexander et al., The broader impact of walking to school among adolescents. BMJonline. Accessed 9/16/05 at bmj.bmjjournals.com. Cooper et al., Commuting to school: Are children who walk more physically active? Am J Prev Med 2003: 25 (4); American Heart Association. Exercise (Physical Activity and Children). Accessed 9/16/05 at www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4596 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Benefits of Physical Activity. Accessed August 22, 2016 at https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm.
2. "Chapter 3: Active Children and Adolescents." Chapter 3 - 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines. Accessed April 04, 2018. https://health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/ chapter3.aspx
