There's a movement to get more children to walk or bike to school.
And if everyone jumps on board, kids will be safer and healthier.

Let's face it. Parents feel better if their kids are driven to school, even if it's within walking distance, because of safety issues. But there's a national program called safe routes to school that aims to change how parents feel.

Mark Fenton of the Safe Routes to School Program says, "A comprehensive approach to creating an environment where it's safer and inviting for kids to walk and bicycle to school and then helping communities what they need to do because every school is gonna be different."

The safe routes to school program held a session today to help community members build the foundation that will make it safer for children to walk or ride their bikes. There are physical changes like improving the traffic signals and marking the crosswalks better. But it starts with community members like parents taking action. Some parents are already on board with new ideas.

Brian Canevari, a parent says, "If a parent at Kailua elementary school received a map that showed safe biking and walking routes to school then they may feel more comfortable in utilizing those paths."

Schools can also help by taking more time to educate students on the rules of the road and other safety measures.

Derrick Tsuruda of Kapolei Middle School says, "Help with the awareness of our students of these practices to encourage them to utilize crosswalks as well as utilize their helmets when riding their bicycles."

The national safe routes to school program says building the foundation within the community could gain momentum as long as parents go along with the idea.

"What we find in the communities that do this the principal steps up to the plate the local police department becomes very important because they're great and they're very helpful in the safety education and enforcement issues," said Fenton.

Fenton says it's a challenge that could reap great rewards. Kids will be safer and will also be healthier by getting more exercise.