Originally published October 18 2005
Maine bicycle program aims to increase exercise among children
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Tobin Scipione, coordinator of the Safe Routes to School program for the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, addresses the problem of obesity in children with the proposal of early morning exercise, which has been shown to benefit academic performance.
"More students should be breaking a sweat" -- makes a great point: There is a growing epidemic of childhood obesity in Maine and more should be done to address this problem.
Aside from more physical education classes for students, there are other important ways to emphasize an active lifestyle among students.
One way is to encourage students to return to the simple act of walking or biking to school.
Thirty years ago, nearly 60 percent of students walked or biked to school.
However, this percentage is increasing dramatically in Maine as many schools have adopted a "Safe Routes to School" program.
"Safe Routes to School" is a national movement and in Maine, it is a statewide effort among communities to increase bicycling and walking to school by improving student transportation choices, safety and health.
Last week marked "International Walk and Bike to School Week."
Thousands of Maine school children from 30 urban, suburban and rural schools joined students in every other state and many countries to celebrate by walking or biking to school.
Events included schoolwide Walk and Bike to School Days and Walking School Buses, where groups of students walked together.
Studies show that students who get exercise before school, arrive more ready to start their day, have longer attention spans and are more productive in the classroom.
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is available to help schools improve student health and increase physical activity through the Safe Routes to School program.
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