Thousands of Oregon kids walked and biked to school this morning in celebration of International Walk + Bike to School Day, joining an international movement to encourage children to be more active. Almost 200 schools in Oregon signed up to participate this year, including 65 schools in Portland, 29 in Eugene, and many more in urban, suburban and rural communities around the state.
In Portland, students and parents from James John Elementary in the St Johns neighborhood gathered at a nearby park before the first bell rang to meet the Mayor, snack on fresh pears and hear about why biking and walking is important to leaders in their community.
Today was the first time ever walking or biking to school for some students (and parents) at James John Elementary. Others said they walk every day. Portland Mayor Sam Adams
Speakers included Mayor Sam Adams, BTA Executive Director Scott Bricker, Dr. Jennifer Rupert, Martin Gonzales from the Portland Public School Board, and Congressman Blumenauer’s Advisor on Livable Communities, Meeky Blizzard.
BTA Executive Director Scott Bricker
More great photos from Walk + Bike Day at Abernethy Elementary and Tour de Ladd over at the Portland Mercury.
In 1969, 41 percent of children walked and biked to school; in 2001 only 13 percent did, according to the National Household Travel Survey. Over roughly the same period of time childhood obesity rates more than tripled, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Health experts say that an inactive lifestyle is one of the factors that can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
