Safe Routes Across The Generations
The City of La Mesa supports and promotes Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs in local schools as a way to halt an increasing trend in obesity and encourage more children to once again walk or bike to school. As summer break comes to an end and students start back to school, the City of La Mesa is looking for volunteers to be the “eyes on the street” as students walk/bike to school.
For several years, the County of San Diego has supported and promoted Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs in local schools as a way to halt this increasing trend in obesity and encourage more children to once again walk or bike to school. Parents, school officials and county/community partners have worked together to remove barriers such as dangerous intersections and a lack of eyes on the street, that prevent children from biking or walking to school.
Another powerful team of allies has also joined the cause in recent years: Older adults! Through funding and support from the Health and Human Services Agency Aging & Independence Services, several Intergenerational SRTS programs have been created around the county, reaping rewards across the generations. In addition to the obvious benefits that children derive from increased physical activity, older adults gain rewards such as a decrease in isolation, improved mood and better overall health as well.
For more information, see: www.cityoflamesa.com/SRTS or contact Misty Thompson at 619.667.1319 or email.