Walking to School

When I was in elementary school I lived a few blocks from the school.  During good weather days I would walk or ride my bike to school every day.  During the summer I would ride my bike to a summer program that was also held at the school.  I was talking with my father who grew up in the 1930’s and in elementary school they did not serve lunch but were expected to walk home for lunch and then return to school.  Fast forward to today where many schools prohibit walkers and bike riders to school.  Even where it is not prohibited it is not common in many communities to see children riding their bikes or walking to school.  Aside from the physical exercise that is missed, there is also the sense of accomplishment, confidence and independence that a child can get by walking or riding their bike to school.  Oh sure, I understand that we live in a different society today, but too often in the name of protecting our children we limit their growth and spirit of adventure.