Walking school 'buses' gain popularity

Walking school 'buses,' where parents walk children to school on an organized route, are gaining popularity in the area. In fact, there were only two schools in Massachusetts involved in walking bus programs in 2001, but now there are over 225 school involved in the commonwealth.

"Massachusetts was one of the first states to get programs out the door. The children respond well to the environmental message, parents respond well to the notion that this is good for their children’s health, and the kids like being together walking to school,” said Mass Highway commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky.

This is a fantastic way to save gasoline and get children (and the parents that walk them to school) more exercise. Not to mention that it gives children another opportunity outside of school to socialize and interact with children their own age.

These programs have the support of both the state and federal government, and funding can be obtained to make the walking routes safer with new signs or construction. For more info on walking buses, check out this story from Boston's Fox affiliate. The link also contains a video with info on how to start your own walking bus.