TransOptions | NJ, Transit, Train, Bus, Bike, Traffic, Carpool | New Jersey, Madison, Morristown, Parsippany, Florham Park | Morris, Warren, Sussex

Things Parents say…when you ask why they won’t let their kids walk to school 

“I’d never let my child walk to school.  It’s too far.”  Compiled from survey responses and conversations with parents at meetings and informal discussions, the video conveys common answers when parents are asked why they do not let their children walk and bike to school.  These comments are followed by what children say they like about walking and biking to school.  

The video was developed by the New Jersey Safe Routes to School Resource Center and presented by Leigh Ann Von Hagen, AICP (Senior Research Specialist, Rutgers University), Laura Torchio, AICP(New Jersey Advocacy Organizer, Safe Routes to School National Partnership), Matthew Palmer(Project Coordinator, National Center for Safe Routes to School), and Seth LaJeunesse(Project Coordinator, National Center for Safe Routes to School) at the pro walk, pro bike, pro place conference in California in September 2012. Discussion followed about parental risk perception and safety concerns, as well as what motivates children to walk and bike to school.  Parental attitudes are the principal factors in determining whether a child walks and bikes to school.

As the video reports, nearly 50% of American kids walked to school in 1969 and today that figure is 13%. Parents dropping their kids at school account for 25% of morning traffic. The number of children who are overweight or obese has tripled in the last 25 years. And studies have shown that children who are physically active have improved mood and concentration, a stronger self-image, and more self-confidence.  Sounds like great reasons to walk and bike to school with your children!!

Last year's video was a big hit, but there was one problem. Due to the weather, this solar-themed event had to be held indoors! So the organizers were hoping to get sunny footage of these model cars running off of their intended power source, a small solar panel. As luck would have it, this year's event was also held indoors due to rain and heavy cloud-cover. So the event and the subsequent video had to follow plan B.

First we decided to make a short and sweet promo that would summarize the program even more concisely than before. We made good use of the many sunny photos that documented other JSS Program events through the years, and paired that with some upbeat music and voice-over.

The second portion is a few minutes to highlight the 2010 Championship event. The weather did allow for some outdoor testimonials, which collectively paint a colorful picture of the event, and highlight some of the ups and downs of such a challenging and fun program.

In December, 2007, TransOptions, Inc. will host its second Hydrogen Fuel Cell Model Car Challenge, in keeping with its commitment to educate students about the existence of alternatives to the use of gasoline. Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, the "Challenge" is one of the 'hands-on" activities used in the U. S. Science Bowl, held each year at the National Renewable Energy Laboratories in Boulder, CO.

The "Challenge" requires students to design, build and then race alternative energy model cars. In the process, teams must produce, store and transfer the Hydrogen their model cars will use. They are also required to submit a documentation portfolio, which presents the team's concepts, designs and comments.

The competition requires students to use aerodynamics, applied science and engineering skills to build the model cars. Developing a successful design requires experimentation, teamwork and organization. The task is comparable to the challenges scientists and engineers face when trying to design a lightweight, functional vehicle with an efficient power train, low-drag aerodynamics, minimal friction and excellent performance.

Adding this new activity for high school students to its free educational program roster, gives TransOptions an opportunity to introduce students in sixth through twelfth grade to emerging technologies while engaging them in a fun, educational hands-on activity.

The next Hydrogen Fuel Cell Challenge will be held in December 12, 2007 at Randolph High School, and is open to all public and private high schools in northwest New Jersey. For additional information about this and/or other free environmental education programs, please contact: Joseph R. Caravella, Environmental Programs Manager, at 973.267.7600 or by email at jcaravella@TransOptions.org.