Comments on: Spring Break Trip Promotes California’s High-Speed Rail

By: Mark R.

Mark R. — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

While I agree that people don’t exercise enough and are to fat, to blame it on urban sprawl is ridiculous. Blame it on the fear of of abduction, molestation or other social ills, video games, grandparents spoiling kids etc before urban sprawl. I grew up in a small town in the country, walked or rode my bike every where. Parents don’t let there kids do that today not because they don’t want to but because they fear what might happen. And to say that bring everything closer in a downtown city environment will solve the problem is just foolish.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Mark, no offense, but I have to call “BS” on that statement. People don’t walk/bike because they are lazy. To say that you aren’t going to walk 1/4 mile to the store because you don’t want to be raped is just an excuse to drive. It is very rare that people are in such an isolated place that this is even a threat, and I don’t believe most kids live their lives in fear like adults do. I think the author is correct in stating that if you had an “interesting, pedestrian-friendly center with places a child could walk to and explore”, they WOULD. Unfortunately you don’t have that. Around where I live I see kids walking by at all hours of the day. The only problem is they’re all walking to 7-11 for sodas and ice cream. They certainly aren’t scared of being molested (they get that at home).

By: Mark R.

Mark R. — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Daniel,

Re Read the article I’m not talking about me or you I’m talking about CHILDREN! I know way to many moms that won’t hardly let their kids out of their sight because of this fear of their child being abducted on their watch. You don’t know squat about where I live, I do live in a pedestrian friendly town its 40k pop. with over 25 miles of hike and bike trails and Thousands of acres of parks on top of the regular sidewalks and bike lanes. Which is great for such a small town/suburb. Sure the kids love to explore the trails and parks, when their parents let them.

Let me give you a for instance, We had to stop letting our kids go with out an adult to the park 3 blocks from our house for several months because there were several spotting of a convicted child abuser hanging around the park. When you have cops come to your door and show a picture of a convicted child abuser and asking if you’ve seen him in at your park you pay attention. I’m just giving my opinion on why a lot of kids are FAT. and its not because of urban sprawl, thats a HUGE COPOUT! its because of fast food, video games, and protective parents.

By: Susie H

Susie H — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I think part of the problem started with Physical
Education no longer being “taught” in schools. Kids
get used to inactivity with video games, parents
driving them to and from school, no chores around
the house, cheap fast food. Nothing is expected of
kids anymore and that’s what we’re getting-nothing
in return except more fat kids.