How America designed out the walk to School

We did not simply stop children from walking to school.

We redesigned the entire system around the automobile.

In 1969, nearly 48% of American children walked or biked to school. Today, only about 11% do, while 53% travel by private vehicle.

The transformation began with school consolidation, accelerated through suburban expansion, and culminated in the parent drop-off line.

Fewer schools meant longer distances. Longer distances required buses. Suburban school sites then normalized driving. More cars made walking feel less safe, which produced still more cars.

The automobile did not simply replace walking.

It enabled a school geography in which walking became unreasonable.

If we want children to become independent again, we must bring schools, homes and safe streets back together