Poll: Are Richfield Streets Safe Enough For Kids to Walk to School?

Forty years ago, many children likely found themselves walking to school everyday—no matter the conditions and, of course, uphill both ways.

However, parents these days have become more hesitant in allowing their children to walk, according to a handful of members. From busy streets and fear of kidnappings to new Americans dealing with language barriers, there are a variety of reasons for the decline.

School Board Member believes the evolution of child safety precautions has contributed to the change.

“There’s been an evolution in the way society sees things,” he said at a joint Richfield City Council and School Board meeting Tuesday night. “But there has also been an evolution of protecting children. … We’ve done things like child safety seats, and seat belts and bike helmets—and those are all good things—but I think that effects the way people behave.”

Meanwhile, over the last couple years Richfield has been a part of a variety of programs and initiatives to promote active living within the community. From and to creating , Richfield is aiming to become a model for sustainable healthy living. Finding ways to provide safe routes to school has also become a focus for the school district.

One consideration is to get parent volunteers to run a “walking school bus,” where a parent volunteer walks children to school and other interested parents can have their children join the group as they pass through designated stops. A SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Program) grant through the Minnesota Department of Health will allow the district to research whether this would be a welcomed option in the community.

While district officials are hoping to eventually implement the program, admitted it would be a hard sell to all parents.

“It’s going to be difficult to overcome,” he said. “There are just some parents that will not let their children walk to school.”

What’s your biggest concern in letting your children walk to school?

Take our poll below and share your thoughts in the comments section.