Do you remember with fondness walking or riding your bike to school when you were a kid? I remember it as being one of the things I treasure most from my childhood. A bit of freedom, responsibility, fresh air and exercise all at once.

Did you also know that only 13 percent of school-aged children walk or ride their bike to school today, compared to over 50 percent one generation ago?

I encourage parents of school-aged children in Sammamish and Issaquah who are not on a bus route to give their kids the same gifts that we had as children. Let them walk or ride their bike to school.

Our schools are required by law to provide a “safe pedestrian walking and biking route” within one mile of the school. There should be a map published by your school illustrating this route. Principals should work with city engineers, law enforcement and parents to ensure this safe route by utilizing crosswalks, sidewalks, and crossing guards.

If you live within a mile of your school and drive your child to and from school every day, try walking, even if it is just one day a week. Grab some of your neighbors and walk in a group. Make stops along the way to include other children. Buy a properly sized bike and helmet for your child and find another child they can partner with.

My children love riding their bikes to school at Creekside Elementary and it is our dream to see the bike racks packed with bikes and scooters rather than the all too usual sight of empty racks and cars lined up for blocks waiting to pick up their children at the front door to drive them half a mile home.

Sarah Schneider, Sammamish