Video: Children Have Lost the Freedom to Roam

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Since 1969, the percentage of children walking and bicycling to school has plummeted from almost 50 percent to about 13 percent in 2013.

In #4 of their StreetFacts video series, Streetfilms explores how children have lost the freedom to roam because many families drive their children to school, even when schools are close to home. Streetfilms produces short films showing how smart transportation design and policy can result in better places to live, work and play.

For trips between 1/4- and 1/2- mile, children are strapped into a seat rather than allowed to walk or bike and explore their world. This reduction in incidental physical activity adds up and is linked with increased rates of childhood obesity and chronic disease.

Learn more about the urgency in fighting childhood inactivity and obesity with physical activity.