In light of the FCBOE elementary school redistricting process that is currently underway, the following information from the national Center for Neighborhood Technology seems especially pertinent(http://www.cnt.org/):

October is International Walk to School Month. Walking to school is a great way to improve the health of school children, take care of the environment, and also raise community awareness of pedestrian safety all at the same time.

Walking to school is an important part of community sustainability, as it promotes neighborhood involvement, health, care for the environment, and walkability. International Walk to School month is a movement world-wide to promote walking to school. Every year millions of students participate in all 50 states and countries around the world.

By the way, walking isn’t just beneficial for the young ones. Try walking to work, or even hauling it a few bus stops further from your home. Instead of hopping in your car for that trip to the post office, consider hoofing it. Maybe even join your children on their walk to school.

Given the fact that we have more than 100 miles of cart paths, not only in Peachtree City, but throughout Fayette County, giving consideration to alternative ways for children and their parents to get to school is smart and good for the environment.

Importantly, Fayette County has added several miles of paths to the county this year and has a long-term plan for adding more. Tyrone has had paths for several years already.

Since the school board has shown an apparent interest in the ideas of the community with the latest elementary redistricting committee, I am hopeful that the board will also take into consideration the physical costs of busing students throughout the county versus keeping children in schools close to their homes.

In addition, the board should consider the costs associated with parents traveling to school for volunteer efforts and special events. The average parent makes two to five round-trips per week to each child’s school. The added costs in time, gas, increased traffic on roadways, and wear and tear on our city, county and state infrastructure are substantial.

Peachtree City has recently completed a survey which indicates the high level of use of the cart paths. As the path system grows throughout the county, the use of golf carts will continue to grow. A case in point is the new Cleveland/Bennett’s Mill complex.

Even though the schools are new and paths are not in, some local residents are using golf carts to get to the schools. This pattern of using carts where paths do not yet exist is seen over and over again in our community and many times leads to permanent paths being built. Using golf carts is a way of life and source of transportation that is integral to our county and school sites.

Since the proposed elementary boundary map will be presented to the school board in early November, now is the time for the FCBOE and district staff to take a serious look at our transportation needs and the alternative system we have in place.

Likewise, parents should let the board and administration know — either through direct appeals or through the public process of letters to the editor — that using alternative transportation to access the school sites is important.

Tami Morris, publisher

Peachtree PathFinder

tami@ptpathfinder.com

Peachtree City, Ga.

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