Why safe routes?
Safe walking and biking routes don’t just build healthy children . . . they build healthy communities. When neighbors are out walking and biking, the neighborhood comes to life. People get to know one another. There’s less pollution from car traffic. Criminals are less likely to come around. All and all, it’s a good thing!
Safe Routes Nebraska is a program of the Nebraska Department of Roads. The program’s main purpose is to give children the option of walking or biking to school, so they can get the activity they need to avoid obesity and disease. The obesity epidemic in America is serious . . . and it affects all of us in the form of health care costs.
The direct medical costs associated with physical inactivity was $29 billion in 1987 and nearly $76.6 billion in 2000. Engaging in regular physical activity is associated with taking less medication and having fewer hospitalizations and physician visits. (source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)
Helping kids develop healthy habits now also helps kids remain active and healthy as adults. And that means a healthier community, lower health care costs, and a brighter future for all of us.
How can Safe Routes Nebraska help?
We offer funding to schools and municipal units to build safer routes so kids can walk and bike to school. Community and nonprofit groups work with local government to request funds to make improvements in their communities.
