Grand Forks Students Walk and Bike to School More Than the National Average

Grand Forks, North Dakota, students are more likely to walk and bike to school compared to the national average, with 16% of students choosing active transportation, according to data from Safe Kids Grand Forks, a coalition that works to prevent injuries to children. This is significantly higher than the national average of 11%, as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the National Household Travel Survey. The community's emphasis on meaningful infrastructure, comprehensive safety education, and community support are key factors contributing to this high rate.

Key Takeaways:

• 16% of Grand Forks students walk or bike to school, compared to the national average of 11%, according to Safe Kids Grand Forks.
• The community's infrastructure, including sidewalks, is intentionally designed to support walkability, with new neighborhoods being built with sidewalks in place.
• Comprehensive safety education is a priority, with teachers across the district asking students how they get to school on a regular basis as part of the auditing process.
• Community support and partnership programs, such as bike safety rodeos, school walkabouts, and training for safety patrollers, contribute to student safety.
• The Grand Forks School District prioritizes creating safe environments through infrastructure and education, with assistant superintendent Matt Bakke emphasizing the importance of breaking down barriers for kids to get to school safely.
• Safe Kids coordinator Carma Hanson highlights the environmental and health benefits of students using active transportation to get to school, including reduced obesity rates and improved focus during class.

Statistics:

• 16% of Grand Forks students walk or bike to school, compared to the national average of 11% (Safe Kids Grand Forks).
• The U.S. Department of Transportation reports a national average of 11% of students walking or biking to school, through the National Household Travel Survey.
• 80-90 children participate in the bike safety rodeo program, resulting in a significant drop in bike-related injuries (Loren Hoheisel, principal at Viking Elementary School).
• Crossing guards are strategically placed to help students safely cross busy streets, with each school making safety a priority.

Sources:

• Safe Kids Grand Forks data on student transportation habits.
• U.S. Department of Transportation, National Household Travel Survey, on national average of students walking or biking to school.
• The Grand Forks Herald, "Grand Forks students walk, bike to school at rate higher than national average" (no specific date mentioned).