Potential solutions

While the systematic problem of car dependency in the U.S. and at Mounds View High School cannot be solved immediately, many solutions can help address the issue and promote walkability and bikeability in our community and beyond. 

In fact, many programs advocate for more walkable communities. One such state-led program, called Safe Routes to School, spreads awareness and raises money to make communities near schools safer, more walkable and less polluted. Another program, Strong Towns, works to educate people and give them the resources they need to increase walkability in their communities. 

One such way to promote walkability is adding sidewalks along roads. A new sidewalk is currently being constructed on Lake Valentine Road to increase pedestrian safety. “I’m excited for the sidewalk to be installed,” said freshman Aliyah Rogers, whose mom petitioned for the new sidewalk. “[My mom] noticed that it’s been pretty dangerous for [students] to be going across with all the cars and stuff… I feel like [the sidewalk] will help a lot so that we’re not walking on the very edge of the road with tons of cars going out.” 

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), walkways and sidewalks improve mobility, reduce pedestrian crashes and should be provided near school zones. Sidewalks help keep pedestrians away from cars and create a more streamlined experience. 

In addition to sidewalks, adding crosswalks can also help pedestrians. Currently, some walkers at Mounds View, such as Rogers, have to wait up to five minutes just to leave the school campus because of the difficulty to cross the street. Furthermore, increased and highly visible crosswalks could reduce pedestrian accidents by up to 40% according to the FHA.

The addition of crosswalks could also make the community more bikeable, as students would feel safer crossing the road on bikes. “I would [bike], but I feel like, for me, it would be harder to [cross] the street to do that,” said Rogers.

While crosswalks are helpful, a fail-safe way to promote biking for students and make commuting safer would be to add bike lanes along the roads at Mounds View. “I think getting better bike paths from the other side of the old highway would be much better, especially [on] Lake Valentine Road… because then you could bike [on] them to Mounds View,” said Vincent Meyer, a junior who wishes he could bike to school. 

While making communities more pedestrian accessible is important, providing increased public transportation would also decrease people’s reliance on cars. Public transportation — including buses, trains and trolleys — provides more options for those who cannot drive or do not have the time to walk or bike. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, public transportation has lower crash rates, decreases fuel consumption and costs less than a car. 

Not only do biking and walking also help the environment, but regular walking can improve a person’s physical and mental health and prevent chronic diseases according to Mayo Clinic. Finding new ways to get to school can help a student fit a daily workout into their schedule, spend more time with friends and have more flexibility in the mornings. “It’s very peaceful [to walk to school],” said Rogers, “to just walk a little bit with [my friends]. I find it enjoyable and we’re able to talk a bit before the busy school day starts.” 

While still far from being a walkable community right now, the Mounds View area is taking a step in a new direction with the construction of the new sidewalks. The sidewalk will allow for easier transportation for those not in a car and could lead to increased infrastructure supporting walkers and bikers in the future.