Ariel Yoffie is a student at Newton North High School. She is working with Safe Routes to School and Newton Green Streets to transform the way students and others travel in Newton.
Walk/Ride Days
By: Ariel Yoffie
Introduction
Every morning I wake up at six, drag myself out of bed, lounge around until my mother and sister are ready to go, and my mother drives my sister and me to school. This has been my routine, and I am certain many of my peers share this monotonous practice. However, driving a car to school every day is not only harmful to our environment, but also our health. Car pollution contributes to global warming, and produces particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and other toxic air pollutants.1 What’s worse, driving to school has become not only a habit, but also a necessity. Children’s ability to walk or bicycle in their neighborhood has been limited by unsafe street crossings, speeding motorists, and a lack of sidewalks.2 It is no longer safe to walk or bike to school. However, that will change with the help of Safe Routes to School, an international organization designed to help local communities look at the problems and dangers along children’s routes to school and fund walk and bike to school events.3 This organization has been successful in the US since 1997, when it cosponsored the first “National Walk Your Child to School Day” with Walkable America in Chicago.4 Now, all fifty United States are participating in various Safe Routes to School events.5 I believe this organization will also be successful in Newton because there are many students, including myself, who say they would be more apt to walk to school every day if the sidewalks were cleared and there were safer street crossings, such as crossing Walnut St to Hull St. Safe Routes to School in Newton is currently cooperating with the Newton Green Street Program to lobby for the ratification of a city ordinance which would mandate that all sidewalks along school routes be shoveled after snowfall and sanded for ice. Walking and biking to school, and not driving a car, are necessary for communities to reduce their destructive impact on the environment and their own health.
Car Pollution and Its Effects
As I peer out my window onto Waverley Ave, all I see are passing cars. Even at night, I can hear the swish of traffic as one car passes another going in the opposite direction. The car traffic is endless, day and night. Every day, these cars spew out more and more greenhouse gases and toxic air pollutants into the atmosphere. White fumes pour from the cars’ exhaust pipe releasing carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, s nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic hydrocarbons. 6,7 All of these gases are detrimental to the environment and human wellbeing.8,9 Carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and carbon monoxide are greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and aggravate the effects it has on the environment. Particulate matter comes in the form of either inhalable “course particles,” such as dust and road debris that are larger than 2.5 micrometers and smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter, or “fine particle,” like smog and haze that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller.10 These particles can damage the respiratory system, aggravate asthma, and cause chronic illnesses, such as bronchitis, an irregular heartbeat, and heart or lung disease.11 Nitrogen dioxide is toxic to the human body, and can contribute to acid rain and eutrophication in coastal waters.12 Sulfur dioxide causes pulmonary and respiratory pain and the acidification of water.13 Benzene is a carcinogen in humans, the long term effects of exposure defat the skin, affects bone marrow and immune system, and decreases red blood cell count. 14 A study showed that aquatic plant and fish life would die from exposure to benzene, and that it is a reactant of smog. 15 Formaldehyde, which only lasts between 1-10 days, is a carcinogen to humans, animals, and birds. 16 Polycyclic hydrocarbons have been suspected of being carcinogens in humans and animals because of their effects on the skin and auto-immune system. Polycyclic hydrocarbons are also believed to cause lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. 17 Still not convinced that walking or biking to school is important? Studies show that car exhaust also hurts the body’s immune system, neurological system, reproductive system (e.g., reduced fertility), developmental capacity (especially in young children), and respiratory system.18
Safe Routes to School Success Story
In spite of the adverse impacts of driving to school, parents feel that it is a necessity. Parents no longer trust their neighborhoods are safe for children to walk to school because of unsafe street crossings, speeding motorists, and a lack of sidewalks. 19 The role of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is to galvanize communities to improve children’s routes to school. The goals of SRTS are to foster a citywide wide network for improving children’s routes to schools, engage and encourage children to walk to school, schedule a series of events, and help communities become healthier and greener.20 One success story of SRTS was in Watertown. March 21, 2007, Watertown’s Lowell Elementary School was the first to participate in “Walking Wednesdays.”21 As children arrived at school, they were greeted by elected town officials, the school superintendent, and numerous parent volunteers. 22 45% of the students at Lowell Elementary participated for the entire thirteen week period of “Walking Wednesdays” at Lowell Elementary, and as a prize SRTS handed out pedometers to all of the children. 23 Before SRTS, a survey of parents showed that 72% of Lowell Elementary students were driven to school, 9% carpooled, and 19% walked. 24 After “Walking Wednesdays” began, 50% of students walked to school, 18% carpooled, 30% were driven, and the principal reported that drop-off traffic had been drastically reduced. 25 This program was deemed so beneficial, that local program coordinators propose a $6,100 grant for purchasing pedometers and safety training vests. 26 In addition, “Walking Wednesdays” has been expanded to all Watertown elementary schools, and the local program coordinators hope to recruit “Walking School Bus” coordinators for all elementary schools. 27 Watertown elementary schools are still walking and biking on “Walking Wednesdays,” and registered to participate in national SRTS events. 28
The Newton Green Streets initiative is modeled on the success of Cambridge Green Streets that originated in 2006 and is now replicated in Somerville, Medford, Stoneham, Portland ME, and spreading to Europe. 29 The Cambridge Green Streets Initiative is a local organization that coined the idea of “Walk/Ride Days” on the last Friday of every month. 30 Their goal is to ultimately have citywide, maybe even nationwide, monthly events that celebrate alternative transportation. 31 Their catch phrase is “go, and wear green!” which has encouraged schools, businesses, community organizations, and universities to participate in the initiative by wearing green Cambridge Green Streets t-shirts on the “Walk/Ride Days.” 32 The Cambridge Green Streets Initiative maintains enthusiasm for its program by having online raffles that offer a chance to win discounts at local retailers, which expands their community involvement even further. 33 In 2007, the Cambridge Green Streets’ was one of six organizations to receive the GoGreen Business Award. 34 The Cambridge Green Streets Initiative was also honored of with the Golden Shoe Award for improving the timing of traffic signals to minimize pedestrian waits, encouraging pedestrian-friendly design of new developments, and promotional activities that include Go Green Month and the publication of “Getting Around in Cambridge.” 35 Newton aspires to have the same success with green initiative.
Conclusion
On January 22, I read an article in the Boston Globe that said scientists have recent studies that affirm the hypothesis that Antarctica is experiencing the effects of global warming (whereas before, Antarctica was observed to be an anomaly continent that was exempt from the effects global climate change). Though environmentalists have been standing on soup boxes for years, I never expected to get caught up in their lecture. I had always been moderately urgent about environmental conservation, but never passionate. But now, not only is there a need for humans to change their attitudes about the environment, but also an atmosphere for change in a new era of hope to protect life on Earth. I quote President Obama’s Inaugural Address, “each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet… we (cannot) consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.” 36 I realize that car exhaust fumes have been poisoning my water, my town, my garden, my family, and my body long before I knew the consequences. At this moment I sheepishly change my priorities (from sleeping in an extra 20 minutes) and make new habits with conviction (to getting up early and walking to school). I will work alongside Safe Routes to School and Newton Green Streets Organization so that students can walk or bike to school safely and make healthy, environmentally-friendly habits to improve everyone’s quality of life. So, my fellow Americans: ask not what your environment can do for you, but what you can do for your environment. “Go Green, Wear Green!”
1 "Why Walk or Bike." International Walk to School in the USA. Safe Routes. 22 Jan. 2009 <http://www.walktoschool.org/about/index.cfm>
2 Safe Routes to School, National Course. 22 Jan. 2009 <http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/video/srts_overview.mov>.
3 Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center of the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center for the. Walk to School Initiatives. Brochure. International: Author, 2008. Safe Routes to School. 22 Jan. 2009 <http://www.walktoschool.org/downloads/WTSDbooklet.pdf>.
4 "About- International Walk to School Day and Month." International Walk to School in the USA. Safe Routes. 22 Jan. 2009 <http://www.walktoschool.org/about/index.cfm>.
5 "United States Registered Participants." Who's Walking. Jan. 2009. Safe Routes to School. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.walktoschool.org/who/index.cfm>.
6 "Car exhaust chemicals." Green living tips. 2009. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/269/1/Car-exhaust-chemicals.html>.
7 "Nitrogen Oxides: Health and Environmental Impacts of NOx | Six Common Pollutants | Air & Radiation | US EPA." Six Common Air Pollutants. 2009. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.epa.gov/air/urbanair/nox/hlth.html>.
8 "Car exhaust chemicals." Green living tips. 2009. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/269/1/Car-exhaust-chemicals.html>.
9 "Nitrogen Oxides: Health and Environmental Impacts of NOx | Six Common Pollutants | Air & Radiation | US EPA." Six Common Air Pollutants. 2009. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.epa.gov/air/urbanair/nox/hlth.html>.
10 "Health & Environment | Particulate Matter | Air & Radiation | US EPA." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental Protection Agency. 22 Jan. 2009 <http://epa.gov/oar/particlepollution/health.html>.
11 "Health & Environment | Particulate Matter | Air & Radiation | US EPA." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental Protection Agency. 22 Jan. 2009 <http://epa.gov/oar/particlepollution/health.html>.
12 "Car exhaust chemicals." Green living tips. 2009. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/269/1/Car-exhaust-chemicals.html>
13 "Car exhaust chemicals." Green living tips. 2009. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/269/1/Car-exhaust-chemicals.html>
14 "Benzene." Air Pollution. 2008. Lenntech. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.lenntech.com/Air-purification/Air%20pollution/benzene.htm>.
15 "Car exhaust chemicals." Green living tips. 2009. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/269/1/Car-exhaust-chemicals.html>
16 "Car exhaust chemicals." Green living tips. 2009. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/269/1/Car-exhaust-chemicals.html>
17 "Car exhaust chemicals." Green living tips. 2009. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/269/1/Car-exhaust-chemicals.html>
18 "About Air Toxics | Toxic Air Pollutants | Air and Radiation | US EPA." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 22 Jan. 2009 <http://www.epa.gov/air/toxicair/newtoxics.html>.
19 Safe Routes to School, National Course. 22 Jan. 2009 <http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/video/srts_overview.mov>.
20 Newton Community Safe Routes to School, Department of Health and Human Services, WalkBoston.Newton Green Streets Program. Brochure. Newton: Author, 2009.
This was obtained from Carol Bock, from PTO meeting with Jean Fulkerson, the Newton community Safe Routes to School Coordinator, as the guest speaker.
21 "Walking Wednesdays in Watertown Massachusetts." National Center for Safe Routes to School. 2007. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/case_studies/pdfs/MA.watertown.pdf>.
22 Mari, Ryan. "Walking Wednesdays in Watertown Massachusetts." National Center for Safe Routes to School. 2007. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/case_studies/pdfs/MA.watertown.pdf>.
23 Mari, Ryan. "Walking Wednesdays in Watertown Massachusetts." National Center for Safe Routes to School. 2007. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/case_studies/pdfs/MA.watertown.pdf>.
24 Mari, Ryan. "Walking Wednesdays in Watertown Massachusetts." National Center for Safe Routes to School. 2007. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/case_studies/pdfs/MA.watertown.pdf>.
25 Mari, Ryan. "Walking Wednesdays in Watertown Massachusetts." National Center for Safe Routes to School. 2007. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/case_studies/pdfs/MA.watertown.pdf>.
26 Mari, Ryan. "Walking Wednesdays in Watertown Massachusetts." National Center for Safe Routes to School. 2007. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/case_studies/pdfs/MA.watertown.pdf>.
27 Mari, Ryan. "Walking Wednesdays in Watertown Massachusetts." National Center for Safe Routes to School. 2007. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/case_studies/pdfs/MA.watertown.pdf>.
28 "United States Registered Participants." Who's Walking. Jan. 2009. Safe Routes to School. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.walktoschool.org/who/index.cfm>.
29 Newton Community Safe Routes to School, Department of Health and Human Services, WalkBoston.Newton Green Streets Program. Brochure. Newton: Author, 2009.
This was obtained from Carol Bock, from PTO meeting with Jean Fulkerson, the Newton community Safe Routes to School Coordinator, as the guest speaker.
30 "About Green Streets." Green Streets Initiative: About Green Streets. Jan. 2009. Safe Routes to School. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.gogreenstreets.org/>.
31 "About Green Streets." Green Streets Initiative: About Green Streets. Jan. 2009. Safe Routes to School. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.gogreenstreets.org/>.
32 "About Green Streets." Green Streets Initiative: About Green Streets. Jan. 2009. Safe Routes to School. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.gogreenstreets.org/>.
33 "About Green Streets." Green Streets Initiative: About Green Streets. Jan. 2009. Safe Routes to School. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.gogreenstreets.org/>.
34 "Green Streets Receives 2007 GoGreen Business Award." Awards and Accomplishments. 1 Oct. 2007. The Cambridge Green Streets Iniative. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.gogreenstreets.org/awards_and_accomplishments/>.
35 "Green Streets Receives 2007 GoGreen Business Award." Awards and Accomplishments. 1 Oct. 2007. The Cambridge Green Streets Iniative. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.gogreenstreets.org/awards_and_accomplishments/>.
36 "Text of President Barack Obama's inaugural address - Yahoo! News." The top news headlines on current events from Yahoo! News - Yahoo! News. 21 Jan. 2009. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090120/ap_on_go_pr_wh/inauguration_obama_text>.
