Long Island, NY - September 7, 2016 - The CDC's School Health Policies and Programs Study reports that just 3.8% of elementary schools, 7.9% of middle schools, and 2.1% of high schools provide daily physical education or its equivalent for the entire school year for students in all grades in the school.[1] Regular physical activity is proven to improve everything from weight management to self-esteem in kids.
Long Island families can guarantee their children get a daily dose of physical activity by biking to school. Kids who bike to school have healthier bodyweight [2], do better in school [3], and reduce their risk of obesity in adulthood by as much as half [4].
Biking to school is a habit, and starting early in life and early in the school year can help make it stick. Here are three ways to make sure children get the recommended daily amount of physical activity by biking:
1. Get the right sized bike and helmet. Local bike shops like Montauk Bike Shop specialize in fitting people of all ages to the right bicycle and helmet. Getting the right sized equipment is essential for safety, and a new bike or helmet will get kids excited to ride.
2. Plan a safe route. Use the free My City Bikes The Hamptons app to find local bike paths and bike lanes to route the ride. Neighborhood streets with lower speed limits are also a good option.
3. Start "bike-pooling". Just like carpooling, a bike pool is a way for kids to bike to school as a group under adult supervision, with parents taking turns riding the kids to and from school.
For more information visit mycitybikes.org.
Biking to school is a habit, and starting early in life and early in the school year can help make it stick. Here are three ways to make sure children get the recommended daily amount of physical activity by biking:
1. Get the right sized bike and helmet. Local bike shops like Montauk Bike Shop specialize in fitting people of all ages to the right bicycle and helmet. Getting the right sized equipment is essential for safety, and a new bike or helmet will get kids excited to ride.
2. Plan a safe route. Use the free My City Bikes The Hamptons app to find local bike paths and bike lanes to route the ride. Neighborhood streets with lower speed limits are also a good option.
3. Start "bike-pooling". Just like carpooling, a bike pool is a way for kids to bike to school as a group under adult supervision, with parents taking turns riding the kids to and from school.
For more information visit mycitybikes.org.
Sources:
[2] Rosenberg, D., et al., 2006 - Active transportation to school over 2 years in relation to weight status and physical activity, Obesity, 14, 1771-6
[3] Martinez-Gomez, D., et al., 2010 - Active commuting to school and positive cognitive performance in adolescents: The AVENA study, Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
[4] Menschik, D., et al., 2008 - Adolescent physical activities as predictors of young adult weight, Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 162, 23-28