Sorry, I plead the First Amendment. Again I say, if you have something intelligent to say, then say it.

Superdave come back to reality enough with your angles!

To the last two posts: if you have something to say regarding the subject matter, then say it. Personal attacks don't wash with me, it just shows that you've run out of ideas. This article clearly explains how parents needlessly driving their kids to school, rather than "protecting" them, actually puts them in jeopardy. Some choose not to accept the truth, but that makes it no less true. My suggestion is simply to try walking your kids to school ONCE per week. Here's another suggestion. How about dropping them off three blocks from school? That also would solve most of this problem. This is about the kids' safety, not about some of you choosing to attack me.

Gosh I totally agree with swtlilone2 :-)

justsome1here: Fair enough. Specifically which items would you like me to research for you? Personally, between the article, the pictures, personal experience and common sense, most people can figure out that too many parents driving their kids to school needlessly creates a lot of problems. But if you can't see that, then I guess you just can't see that.
Or could it be that you simply don't want to see the truth?

SuperDave - I was just suggesting you do some research to validate what you claim are the reasons that parents drive their children to school. What you claim are facts are just your opinions, which you are entitled to. However, that does not make them right, it does not make them wrong, it just make them your opinion. I do not need statistics to substantiate your opinions because for me they hold no value.

tater: Good idea! Now here is someone with some positive input! :O)
justsome1here: You read the article, but obviously do not choose to understand or agree with it. Yes, the congestion is caused by more than JUST parents, this has been stated over and over. But parents are the main cause of the congestion around schools. You might notice that all those other cars are simultaneously trying to either drop off or pick up children, JUST LIKE YOU. They are not at the school shoe shopping or picking up a pizza.
If you need statistics, then do your own research. There is a plethora of information available. Why don't you start by asking your kids' teachers and administrators if they think too many parents are driving their kids to school? They would know the truth.
One more time, and this is only directed at parents who drive the kids to school knowing they do not truly need the ride. Stop it. Please, for the sake of your kids, for the sake and safety of all the other kids, for the planet, consider letting them walk, ride bikes, or bus to school. Heck, walk or bike with them if possible! It might be fun! Maybe just once a week, even that would help. But stop the madness of mass numbers of private vehicles swarming the schools, it is so harmful to everyone.

Hey what would you parents think about a plan that would involve, say one parent taking their child to school and picking up a few more kids and maybe other parents along the way? Eventually there might be a large group of kids arriving at school with their parents. It would be safe, adults could get to know each other and it would be good exercise for EVERYONE involved. The issue about doing stuff with your kids would be covered, as would the easing of at least some of the traffic congestion.

SuperDave - I read the article just fine. Just because the article does not state the fact that some schools are located in commercial areas does not change the fact that this also contributes to the congestion. You state the reasons that parents drive their children to school (i.e. selfishness, laziness, easier, usefulness) as though they are documented facts but have yet to see you post any statistics to substantiate those facts. Just because you chose to parent the way you did does not make it the "right" way to do so. Quite frankly, the only people that should be ashamed of themselves are the ones who feel the need to chastise other parents for doing things for and with their children.

jvldss: It's a personal choice, not hitting a "switch". You need to pay attention.
mickie: already discussed. Say something new.
justsome1here: You said "I have to again disagree that congestion at the schools is only caused by the parents driving their children to school". No one is saying that congestion is ONLY caused by parents. But parents are the main contributors. Did you read the article? Did you look at the pictures? Absolutely ridiculous state of affairs. Those of you parents who insist on driving the kids to school when you know they do not need it should be ashamed of yourselves. You are endangering everyone, along with causing all kinds of other problems (already discussed here, repeatedly). YES, there are those that truly need to drive the kids to school, and YES, it is your choice, and NO, no one is telling you what to do. But I ask again, could you please consider alternatives, and consider the consequences of your actions? Re-read the article, it's all there. But some of you have it in your head to do as you please, just because it's easier for you and makes you feel better, more useful, etc. That's the ultimate in selfishness. Frankly, I find it hard to believe how much resistance there is to the simple suggestion of allowing your kids a little freedom. Consider the possibility that your kids can be more self-sufficient! They can do this!

OK- I`m out. The spelling police have arrived. LOL

SuperDave - I have to again disagree that congestion at the schools is only caused by the parents driving their children to school. It is also caused by people who are NOT driving their children to school when they frequent the businesses that surround certain schools in Janesville. There were days that the cars lined up to get in and out of Blackhawk Credit Union caused a major traffic jam which did not allow the traffic to flow out of Marshall and Monroe. Also, the businesses around Craig High School also create major traffic congestion as well as the people traveling to those businesses.
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By the way, it is “chauffeur” not “chaffeur”.

I used to walk home everday from middle school. People who got out of high school would shout out rude/nasty comments that no middle schooler should hear. I would perfer driving/picking my child up when I have them. Sence(sp?) people are tweaking about kids being fat cause the parents decide to drive them you're crazy it just doesn't have to do with cause they don't walk. Parents can make their kids do sports.

I must say, with the issue of overweight preteens in our country, walking or riding bikes, makes the decision to exercise a great option for physical fitness. That said, the past couple of decades have changed the family dynamics.

There are many more two income families, and often times its just easier to toss the kids in the car on your way to work and drop them off. I live in Milton, and I run into the chaos every morning in front of the Middle School.

Since we all know what time the local schools are congested, it would make sense to either slow down and be patient, or take an alternative route. What seriously ticks me off are these parents who are dropping off the kiddies, then pull out in front of other drivers, cut children off in the crosswalks and generally drive like idiots because they are in a hurry to get to work.

There is ABSOLUTELY no reason to behave with aggression when there are children present. My own children walked to school when the weather was bearable as they lived close enough to do so. I would drive them if the morning was screwed up and we overslept or if we had a ton of school projects to transport.

Perhaps, as noted on here by others, tickets should be issued for rude and illegal behavior. It doesn't take much to catch someone's attention like a $140.00 ticket!!!

Mickie – take chances on what? The lightning strikes? The kidnapping? The car accidents?
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We often have competing risks. There is a slim chance that a child could swallow a toothbrush, choke, and die while brushing his teeth. If he doesn’t brush his teeth, his teeth will eventually rot. I’m guessing that most parents do a mental risk/benefit analysis and tell their children to brush their teeth. Only if parents were more afraid of the choking hazard than the rotting teeth would they tell their children not to brush.
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In the present discussion, it’s approximately ten times more likely that your child will die in an auto accident than be kidnapped on the way to school. The first disaster is guaranteed to be fatal, the second disaster could be fatal too. If a parent chooses to subject the child to the danger that is ten times more likely to occur, it means the parent has decided that the less likely danger is more than ten times worse.
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In this situation, is that a rational conclusion for parents to draw? It’s awful to have to assign a horrific factor to disasters, but is a kidnapping more than ten times worse than losing a child in a car accident? Stated another way, would it be worse for one child to be kidnapped than to lose ten children in car accidents? In my mind each disaster to a child would be equally terrible. Plus, a kidnapping would obviously be traumatic, but I might also get my child back again.

Well, guess what Eks- many of us are not willing to take any of those chances! The cars are not going to go away, the situation could be helped with some sort of planned drop off - pick up system..Also ticketing parents that do not follow the safety rules..But trust me, the vehicles are not going away.

Baybeegirl, are you trolling here? We’ve already discussed these issues – did you read the article and the previous posts? Sure, there are sickos in the world, but as the article states the chance of a child being kidnapped on the way to school is about the same as the child being hit by lightning.
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Yes, a “creepy guy” could snatch up, molest, and murder your kid. A “bright, sizzling lightning bolt" could also hit your kid, fry all the neurons in his body, and blow his head into a million pieces. Neither disaster is pleasant to think about or discuss, but both are equally likely to happen.

Harmony Elementary discontinued bus service this year for any children who live closer than two miles to the school. I guess we should now allow our children to walk/bicycle to school even if they are as young as 5-6 years old.

During the winter, most people do not shovel there sidewalks so the kids/parents walk in the street. This includes the sidewalk where the only crossing guard is used west of the school. Sounds pretty safe to me.

I also recall being on a school field trip and riding the bus when I was younger staying at my Grandmas and the bus drivers were horrible and were always speeding.

Probably at least going 45 in a 25 or 30 zone...

And they were reported thats not safe, especially in the winter.

Sorry to hit a nerve on you SuperDave- but my points along with others are very valid.. So if I repeat myself- thats because I can. Its very easy for people WITHOUT children to have certain opinions that they probably would not have- if they had kids!

Sorry SuperDave. I didn't realize it was as simple as hitting the don't drive your kids to school switch. Hey everyone, SuperDave says stop driving now. There, problem solved. Thank you, SuperDave.

Also there are very VERY sick people out in the world and I would never let my children walk some creepy guy could come snatch up my kid and the friend is running away, and the kids gone, found later to have been molested and murdered...

And I do not have children and a lot of you posters probably don't either some kids can't walk it may not be in walking distance..

Its not even about parents coddling their children, they care and don't want anything to happen, I mean my parents cared about me and what not. And they have every right to, the world isn't getting any better, its not the 1920s where people could actually remotely be trusted....

I go through the Harmony/Rotamer intersection 2 times a day and guess which those times are. All I'm saying is if you don't feel you can put your child/ren on the bus, then obey traffic rules when taking the kids to school. I have almost been t-boned, rammed from behind, cut in front of, etc., all because someone is gonna be late getting the kiddies to school. Or maybe they just have the feeling that the rules don't apply to them.

jvldss, as has already been pointed out, the reason for the increased traffic at schools is because of the valet service kids today receive. If you drive your kids to school each day when they are perfectly capable of walking or biking by themselves, you are contributing to the problem. Not only are your kids not safer for getting their rides, but you jeopardize the safety of the other kids who do walk or bike.

Call me crazy but I think that bikers and walkers get in the way most of all, parents getting their children in vehicles... Bikers and walking people just go right in the road and stuff, your little legs can't peddle as fast as I can drive so get outta my way :-)

Thanks S DAVE, I'm with you on this.

Personally, I'd rather maneuver around a few more bicycles than speeding/weaving minivans with drivers on phones. Call me crazy.

jvldss: You said "Since traffic is bad and, according to several eyewitness accounts about speeding and/or inattentive drivers, why not put more kids on bikes in the streets and kids walking in the crosswalks. Now that sounds like a well thought out plan". Another person that didn't read the article, or didn't retain anything. I'll help you out - the title of the article is "Walking, bicycling could unclog school traffic jams". Get it? (Probably not). Let me spell it out for you since you obviously haven't read the article or most of the comments below. The traffic problems are caused by too many parents driving thier kids to school. If more kids would walk, bike or take the bus then that would alleviate the traffic problems. This is the whole point of the article.

Sorry Elksreigh, forgot that was the Gazette's job - my bad. Could be a stormy week ahead...please watch out for lightning bolts.

Since traffic is bad and, according to several eyewitness accounts about speeding and/or inattentive drivers, why not put more kids on bikes in the streets and kids walking in the crosswalks. Now that sounds like a well thought out plan.

leftofcenter: Changing the subject and personal attacks. Is that the best you can do?
"My point was, MYOB, times have changed". Already covered both of those items. It IS my business Ms. Landers, and the fact that times have changed is the whole reason for this discussion. The way that times have changed is that it used to be that very few parents provided a round-trip private car for their charges. Now it's common and it's a problem. Saying "times have changed" is stating the obvious, and pointless. Did you even read the article?
prevention: Sorry to hear about your health. To answer your question, sure! Safety in numbers, right? I wouldn't exeactly call this recent weather harsh, although you must be talking about winter.
People! Most of us (over a certain age) did not get parental rides to school on a daily basis. How did we survive?!? Think about it. You can make every excuse in the world, and some of you do have valid reasons. But I suspect most do not. If you can see that you are doing this primarily to make yourself feel better, than I would urge you to reconsider.
That's just about all I have to say on this matter, some will never "get it". But if I see any more personal attacks or silly arguments I will probably respond again.
And once again - everyone has to make their own choices. But this article tells us that too many parents are driving their kids to school, so obviously many are making the wrong choice. I am NOT telling you what to do - but I am asking you to consider alternatives. It is your own kids that stand to benefit the most.

jvldss, why would you try to stir up hysteria like that? Why not warn against the dangers of lightning strikes instead? According to the article, the likelihood of being kidnapped on the way to school and the likelihood of being struck by lightning are almost the same.

Not to tick anyone off, but it is my business when every morning, I see the mom van with the kids in it passing me (speeding), yakking on the phone, weaving thru traffic, etc., all in an attempt to get the kids to school. THAT is what I call a traffic hazard.

PS. That kind of driving does affect me, so I what affects me, becomes my business.

k-atie-e: The scenario you describe in the last half of your 4/25, 4:19 post not only describes high schoolers, it also definitely describes a lot of the manic parents I see on the roads every morning. They're the ones running lights, stop signs, yakking on their phones, reaching around to their back seats to one of the kids, and SPEEDING in those areas. I know, I see them every morning. Just my observations.

SuperDave: have you ever walked 10-20 kids nearly a mile in harsh weather? Besides, I'd love to walk with them to and from school if I could get the doctor to fix my health.

SuperDave - "I am not telling anyone to do anything. And I also feel strongly that chaffeuring your kids around in a private car is usually the wrong decision." You ARE telling people what to do; don't chaffeur kids around, AND that we need more basic values. Duh...My kids are not on drugs, just reading the paper's series on it, and when they walk home I meet them half way. Calm down or you'll give yourself a coronary. My point was, MYOB, times have changed.

All pedophiles released into the Janesville community in recent years take note: the schools want more kids to walk to school!

Paranoid Parents Planet......

Wow! It is amazing the angst this article has caused.
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Part of the problem that needs to be addressed is the rural school bus service. We stopped using the morning bus from Afton when they combined the two buses, which placed elementary students with the middle and high school kids and also resulted in a bus ride that is close to an hour.
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Also, those of you who use the circle drive at Edison . . . please don't wait until your vehicle is even with the entrance doors. Have your kid get out, even if you are five or seven cars back! This would greatly improve the traffic flow.

leftofcenter said "I also bet you walked 3 miles to school, both ways uphill, barefoot, in a snowstorm - every day!"
mickie said "They also have a backpack that can weigh 30 pounds, shoes, possible band instruments etc.."
I just wanted to assure you all that, back in the day, although we didn't have backpacks, cellphones, private cars to get us to school and back, or the internet, we DID have shoes.
LOL!

Well good morning mickie! Thanks for your input. Most of your points have already been covered, repeatedly, but let me address a couple issues.
If kids are "oblivious to what is really happening around them", do you think that might be exacerbated by overly cautious parents? In other words, if a kid doesn't have to take any responsibility for getting to school, why would he/she pay attention when it's easier to just sit back and play a video game or play with a cell phone (texting or whatever).
Regarding the weather, and safety, the article says "Surveys show parents’ top reasons for driving their kids to school: distance, traffic danger, weather and fear of crime. But weather hasn’t changed in 40 years, Nolan noted, and the chance of a child being kidnapped on the way to school is about the same chance as being struck by lightning". I'll add to that that winter gear today is a lot warmer than the stuff we had!
Now this backpack thing. Earlier I said "when you had to take books home you carried them in your hands". This forced us to make decisions about what to take home each night. Well I can tell you if I had a parent driving me both ways, I would take a lot more than if I had to carry it myself. Perhaps kids are taking home "everything" because they know they're always going to get a ride from mom? I can't believe that they actually use ALL their books, every night. And again, we didn't have the internet, so if you didn't take it home you couldn't look it up, unless you lucked out and it was in the encyclopedia, dictionary, etc.
And yes it IS my business. I'm a resident, a taxpayer, a driver and a caring human being. Don't you dare to try to tell me what is or is not my business. As long as you continue to make unnecessary trips on the public roads, I will continue to state my opinions.
Look folks, I know I'm striking a nerve with some of you. The personal attacks just confirm that. Again, it's your choice! But many of you are driving ridiculously short distances just so you "feel good", and in the process causing all sorts of other problems, not the least of which is this: YOU are creating danger (traffic congestion) and then using that as an excuse to keep doing it. Reasonable request: if you are less than two miles from school, try walking your kids to school for a week or two. With this warm weather, get out and enjoy the real world. If that doesn't work out for you, then go back to your short trips in the SUV. What do you have to lose? Peace. :O)

SuperDave- it is a parents job to make sure their kids are safe. PERIOD. My child would love to ride her bike on Hy 26 into Janesville. Would I let her? NO. Children are in most cases fearless because they are oblivious to what is really happening around them. Also- since you don`t have a child and do not have to "pack them up" everyday, then you really do not have a clue. In the winter from A specific day in November- til April they have to wear full snow gear, regardless if there is a warm day or two. They also have a backpack that can weigh 30 pounds, shoes, possible band instruments etc.. It is not like the old days where we had a notebook and a prayer to get us to school. So regardless of what you may think parents are or not afraid of, its really not your business- and you really do not have the correct full picture. I would bet that out of all these parents driving their kids to school, that there are only a handful of over paranoid ones. The real issue is the parents who are not following rules of the procedure. IMO.

Eksreigh: Another great post. But let's not let the facts get in the way! Parents are afraid of the bogeyman. I have yet to hear anyone say their CHILD is afraid. It's always the parents. And like leftofcenter, who wants "to be sure they get there, on time", that responsibility is also co-opted. My parents NEVER worried about whether I was on time. If I was late, I had to deal with the consequences. But of course that was waaaay back before the wheel was invented LOL!

prevention: If you are so close to school, why would you drive them? Why not walk with them? Sounds like it's about 15 minutes each way. An ounce is worth a pound of cure!

leftofcenter: You are so far off the mark on so many levels. Okay, let's start with - attack the messenger! The old "you don't yada yada, so you don't understand and besides its none of your business". Please! What, I'm not allowed to care about school-age kids because I have none? Sorry, but I do care. Even about your kids, leftie.
I have said all along that's it's the personal choice of the parents that choose to drive their kids to school, and pickup after. Is that clear enough for you? I am not telling anyone to do anything. And I also feel strongly that chaffeuring your kids around in a private car is usually the wrong decision. It makes the parents feel better, but like many well-meaning ideas has unintended consequences.
"If you ask the parent of a kid that has been abducted if they wished they had been more careful, what would they say?". Well then why in the world would you let them walk home? You're not being consistent! The question is, can a parent be TOO "careful"? Obviously, the answer is YES.
But as you say, times are different. I think that's the crux of the problem, we need to return to more basic values rather than continue to contribute to the problem.
And if your kids are "taking prescription drugs and buying heroin", you have way bigger problems than traffic congestion my friend. I would suggest some type of parental counseling. Really.

I am appalled by the number of parents who choose to unnecessarily jeopardize the safety of their children; as has been posted, though, the parents have the right to make that choice.
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The article says that the likelihood of a child being kidnapped on the way to school is about the same as the likelihood of being struck by lightning. According to the National Weather Service, in 2008 that likelihood would be 1 in 400,000. (http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/medi...)
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On the other hand, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2007 there was a 1 in 34, 841 chance that any one person in the U.S. would die as a passenger in a traffic accident. (http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Main/index...)
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As I see it, the statistics show that during any given year there is more than 10 times the chance that a child will die as a passenger in a car accident than be kidnapped on the way to school. Thus, not only is walking to school safer for the child but walking also generates the benefits mentioned earlier (improving health, building confidence and independence, etc.).

I believe there is a fear of strangers with the younger kids. I know that I have countless kids in my neighborhood that are under the age of 10 and live a good 3/4 of a mile from their school. With that said, there are also 15-20 pedophiles alone that live within a mile of my home-- 3 within 2 city blocks of me.

So, is that a good enough reason for a parent to fear for the safety and well-being of their child and drive them to within a block of their school? I would drive all my neighborhood kids to school if we could coordinate it and I could afford a large enough vehicle for all of them!

SuperDave; you seem obsessed with this subject, even though I don't think you have school age kids. What gives?

I take my kids to school on my way to work, I want to be sure they get there, on time since the school sometimes doesn't call for hours if they are absent if I forget to call in sick and a kid could be missing. I DO let them walk home because I know how long it takes to get here, there isn't such a big hurry (they get detention or disciplinary referrals for tardies) and kids get out at the same time, so more are walking together; safety in numbers! If you ask the parent of a kid that has been abducted if they wished they had been more careful, what would they say?

Whatever your experiences were as a kid, times are different - nothing is the same as it used to be. Tootsie rolls were probably a penny - well they are a buck now. We stole beer out of the fridge, now they are taking prescription drugs and buying heroin. There is no comparison.

I also bet you walked 3 miles to school, both ways uphill, barefoot, in a snowstorm - every day!

Move on to a subject that concerns you, instead of assuming you know what is best for other people & families.

Not only did we carry them in our hands and arms, we carried our girl friends to. Some of the best times were walking to and from school. But now they have cell phones, but that's another topic.

Thanks, SuperDave. I was going to respond to justsome1here’s comments about street crossing, but you beat me to it. I would only add that a student who dashes across one street under the watchful eye of an adult crossing guard does not learn the same skills as does a student who crosses multiple uncontrolled intersections blocks away from the school alone.

Eksreigh: And that's another thing! We didn't even have backpacks, so when you had to take books home you carried them in your hands.

justsome1here: Thanks. You might have missed my point re: crossing the street. I'm not saying kids should walk to school so they can learn how to cross the street, it's the other way around. And for pete's sake, I would hope that parents make sure that kids know how to cross the street long before they are of school age! But if you read some of the posts, some parents think it's "too dangerous" for their kids to walk or bike to school because of all of the traffic. So they drive them to/from school, thus adding to the traffic!
Regarding traffic congestion around schools, maybe I'm a little older than you! When I was in school, from kindergarten through high school, yes there was traffic but there was never the kind of traffic congestion we see today. The reason? Because parents knew better than to drive their kids to school. As I said before, such behavior was almost unheard of then. But now, so many parents chaffeur their kids that it's become a problem on many levels, which we've already discussed here. And certainly, learning to deal with the traffic congestion by being part of it is nonsensical. That's like doing all of your Christmas shopping by driving to the mall on December 24 and then complaining about all the procrastinators taking up all the parking spaces.

One of the recent posts summarizes the problem nicely. In a nutshell, the poster wrote that her kids could walk to school but she chooses to give them a ride anyway, regardless of her action’s contribution to the traffic congestion problem. This writer’s rationale is that her kids have backpacks and loads of books and band instruments. [Aren’t the books in the backpack? Does each kid really play more than one instrument and bring them home everyday? Do her kids not have two hands? Don’t most kids bring home books?] She wrote that this is not coddling, it’s just giving kids a ride when they actually could walk. I submit that this behavior precisely meets the definition of coddling and pampering. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/pamper)
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The writer then attempted to reach for an outrageous example by implying that biking to Woodman’s would be extreme. I submit that biking to Woodman’s would actually be a healthy endeavor for her and her family, since chauffeured kids are oftentimes deficient in physical activity and tend to be overweight.

SuperDave - You are correct. Learning how to cross the street is not rocket science. So . . . what difference does it make where that child learns how to cross the street? If the child has to cross the street to get to the parents waiting in the car or if they have to cross the street while walking to and from school. They still learn how to cross the street safely. Sorry, but congestion never used to be zero (not even in horse and buggy days). Congestion in this school district has always been a problem for as long as I can remember and always was where I went to elementary school, high school, and college. It is just like everything else in life . . . you just have to learn how to deal with it (I believe that is one of those life experiences).

If the intent of this article was to convey what the Safe Routes to School program is all about, then I believe it failed to do so. The article seems to focus primarily on the parents driving the kids to school issue, and the resulting posts seem to bear that out. But the Safe Routes organization is about much more than just that. The organizations primary goal is to make walking and biking to school a fun activity that will have positive outcomes. Yes, less traffic will be one of the benefits, but impacting the increasing obesity epidemic in our children is also part of the plan. So is lessening the negative impact on our environment. And once more people start using our sidewalks and streets for walking and biking, plans are to make sure that all the streets are made safer if necessary. Check out Safe Routes’ informative website video at http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/resources/.... I think it will educate anyone and hopefully inspire a lot of you. Safe Routes is looking for positive input from parents and wants us all to work together to turn this car culture around. Be at the next meeting and help out. I know I will. Just think how neat Janesville will be once kids and their parents are walking and biking everywhere!

Stop coddling the kids- it is not healthy for them to not walk anywhere because of their parents fears and not their own.

SuperDave, your response to luvujvl is right on. It is their right as an American to waste fuel and then complain about the high price of gas. I guess they don’t understand the principle of supply and demand. From all of the comments to this article, it is apparent that the very people that complain about it cause the problem with traffic congestion at the schools. I do agree there are cases were dropping off or picking up your kids is necessary, but not to the level we see it

First of all to some, I am not saying children shouldnt walk if they can. But in reality alot can`t. Also again, it is open enrollment that allows so many from outside of their district to be allowed to bring their kids across town, or to another city entirely. That is where I see the congestion in Milton, kids coming from Janesville that are not even on a bus route..You also have to factor in the seperate homes with ALOT of kids, some divorced parents cannot live in the same neighborhood. But I do believe that violation tickets need to be handed out either by the school staff themselves, or police. Because so many parents vioalte safety- daily.

I went to school in Dayton. They had bussing (I had to go to a school 15 +mi away-with a perfectly good school in walking distance-1.85 mi). If you got there early by bus, you were allowed to go in to the cafeteria and wait. Only the bus kids could go in early. They also provided bus tickets for the city bus if you left early (sick, etc.). Changed to an alternative school, they gave laminated city bus passes that were valid from 6am-6pm on school days. The geography of the student body was too varied to provide the yellow bus. I did walk the almost 2 mi. to elementary school. Dad left for work before we did. Walk or ride bike, that's how it was done.

luvujvl: You're right, it's your choice, and certainly not a crime. This is the United States of America, and (for now) you totally have the right to make that choice. You are choosing to be a part of the problem, and that is your right. I humbly suggest that you read some of the posts below, and perhaps rethink your decision to make those ten, wasteful car trips per week. There are so many reasons to do the right thing. :O)

farmgirl - I agree with you 100%.
Personally I drop off & pick up. It's my choice. Sure, they COULD walk just fine. But I CHOOSE to give them and their backpacks, loads of books, and band instruments a ride. To the overly opinionated posters who consider that a crime, no, that's not 'coddling a fat kid'. That's simply dropping my kids off at school, and picking them up afterwards. Yes, I follow the dropoff / pickup rules. Yes, I drive slowly. NO, I do not talk on the cell phone as I'm doing it. NO, I am not going to stop driving them just because traffic is getting more congested. It's more congested everywhere - been down Milton Ave lately? What's next - should we bike to Woodman's also?

We have a lot of fat kids out there. Make them walk. It will do them some good. Maybe they will burn off some of that high fructose corn syrup we are shoving down them at every chance.

We adults can certainly make even simple things extremely difficult. Good grief! If at all possible, let the kids walk to/from school. Some of my greatest childhood memories involve the friendships forged while walking the nine blocks between elementary school and home in Beloit. I would go back to those days in a heartbeat if I had the chance.

Childhood obesity is a serious problem, but this article is about traffic and student safety at our schools. Student safety is a primary concern at all Janesville schools and the traffic patterns and school procedures may not be ideal, but in order for them to work as well as they possibly can, grown ups need to follow the rules, and they need to teach their children to also. Hopefully further study and funding could improve the situation, but again, people would actually have to follow the rules and procedures developed in order for them to help. Is it going to take the death or injury of a child before people take responsibility for their own actions and do the right things?

The district might be able to do MORE but how about we start with just doing what we already know we're supposed to do? If you can avoid driving your student to school, or even drop them off a little further from school, it would reduce congestion in front of the building which could improve safety. If you're going to drive your student to school, then set a good example of safe behaviors --your child is learning from YOU. Inconvenience or running late doesn't justify putting YOUR child at risk of being hurt or killed, does it? The rules apply equitably to everyone, and ALL students deserve to be as safe at school as we can keep them. We all know what we're supposed to be doing. Let's do it.

I doubt anybody will change his or her mind after reading this article or discussion. The parents who drive their children to school have already justified the action in their minds: My son shouldn’t have to walk 6 blocks in the rain, I need to protect my daughter from the molesters, some of the streets don’t have sidewalks, I’m driving in that direction anyway, I can afford to drive my kids and they deserve it, driving my kids lets me spend quality time with them, I get the chance to meet my kids’ friends, etc. This article is about traffic congestion, and these parents choose to contribute to the problem by chauffeuring their kids. There may or may not be an offsetting benefit to the kids, but the fact remains that a kid who rides to school instead of walking or biking loses the benefit of physical exercise and the confidence building that comes from learning to navigate, cross streets safely, avoid strangers, and deal with bullies without the help of a hovering parent.
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As the article points out, the percentage of kids who walked to school in 2001 was only 1/3 the rate in 1969. Interestingly, the CDC reports that childhood obesity rates tripled between approximately the same years (between 1976 and 2006). (http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/...)

Unfortunately, the parents that don't care about proper procedures and following the rules either won't see themselves in this story or they won't even see the story. Schools send home letters all the time about how and where to drop off and pick up. Most of the parents don't read those either. Once again, rules don't apply to a lot of people apparently.

There are a lot of really fat kids out there that would benefit from a bike ride or a long walk twice a day. Take a honest look at your kid, if he or she is overweight(it's got to be a 50/50 ratio in today's society) and is within a reasonable distance to walk or bicycle to school, simply make them do it. While you parents are at it, take a look in the mirror, if you're overweight maybe a bike as a secondary source of transportation would do you a world of good as well........There are way too many fat people out there today.......

mickie: Whether it's our "business" or not...the fact is that traffic congestion, childhood obesity, coddling of children is real. Parents need to take into account the long-term consequences of their actions, as well as the short-term consequences of endangering all the other children by creating traffic congestion. As has already been attested, "A little girl was hit by a car in front of the elementary school after being dropped off".
Hopefully, you are part of the solution :O)

mickie: so very true, the archetics and road engineers should work more closely together and develop a better way...whether it be safer crossings, drop off lanes or even the JSD with better bus routes.
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Superdave/Who I won't applogize for thinking of my daughter first...not ever. I would rather be over cautious and drive her myself, than to have regrets latter, if something would happen. And yes she had a friend who was enticed once on the way to school, so sorry I won't take the chance. By the way no she is not codled, she has farm chores (7 days a week /365 days a year) drives a tractor and breaths in more farm fresh air than most city kids ever do. Heck she needs to put on a few pounds she is so skinny. So my driving her to school is not going to harm her independance or ability to survive in the real world.

Farmgirl I waited 20 minutes everyday for the bus and sat on it for 2 hours on the way home. It sucked and I didnt have a parent to that was driving past but 30 minutes is not that big of a deal 2 hours is. So you are teaching your kids its not ok to wait Mommy will drive you. Thats how I look at it.
And superdave my son started walking when he was in 3rd grade when we thought he was responsible enough to walk. And from my house its a little over 2 miles he walk across Milton ave from memorial down garfield cross the 2 way to one ways on Milwaukee and than down Ruger thats a little much for a fourth grader.
Oh sorry if I offended you farmgirl.

Basically its not anybodys business if a parent chooses to drive their child to school or not, everyone has their own reasons. The real problem is- is that most do not follow the rules of the procedure. I also believe when new schools are built, that the engineers need to take dropping off and picking up into deep consideration.

Well that was the time that the bus got there, sorry I misspoke the first time. Gosh guess no one on here ever made a mistake.
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And I do live in the country...we are out of the city limits and on a farm...how many farms are there in the city? True it is not real far outside the city limit sign, but it is still the country.
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As for waiting outside unsupervised for 30 minutes that is too long, given the fact that so many bad things can and sometimes do happen to young girls who are alone. Heck she couldn't even get in to the school in case of a emergency the doors would have been locked.

farmgirl: "Why should I make her wait at school for 30 minutes when I have to drive right past there on my way everyday anyways?". Uh...perhaps to teach her how to deal with everyday life? Just my opinion, you can disagree :O)

Also, I was wondering why you have yellow bus service if you are only 5 minutes from Edison. Dosn't sound like the country to me.

Farmgirl.. HELLO You are changing your story. Before it was 7:10. Get your time straight. 6:35 is early for a bus to be at school.

ebayjunk: it took temps way colder than that with the wind chill before they closed school last year. And yes that is early to be at school and unsupervised, maybe things have been changed...I don't know as we don't use the bus anymore.

Who: I am not afaid of my kid getting fresh air...hello we live in the country and work on a farm. As I said in the other post this was last fall when school first started and she was picked up at 6:30 and dropped off at Edison at 6:35...HELLO there was a article in the Gazette on it see post below. Supervison was not there at that time. We opted out of the bussing, so maybe things did change...but read the old news artlce it explains this.
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By the way we arrive now at school after the busses have been there and I drop off not in the circle but down the block so I don't have to deal with cars going in and out of the driveways.

Now THAT is early. Something needs to be done about that. And at -10 degrees school should be called off. That is cold

farmgirl. I check with Edison and there is supervision at 7:15 am. They get paid extra to be there. If the bus is dropping them off before 7:15 you need to talk to the bus company as they are not to do that. People like you are the ones causing the congestion on the circle drive at Edison resulting in problems for the buses getting in. They can't go in until until the bell rings, except in bad weather, to get some fresh air. I didn't know fresh air hurt kids.

justsome1here: You are right on! Life experience is not based on any one factor. No, we don't close the streets - we teach our children! Like I said, I was about 3 when I learned how to cross the street, this is not rocket science.
Congestion used to be zero - it is NOT a given. Most congestion around schools seems to be caused by parents.
And NO, it's not my problem, personally. I do care about kids in general though.

Anyone remember this gazette article :Are kids at school too early? Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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This says it all for OUR situation. Although I might be wrong on when our pick up time was...now that I think of it it was about 6:30ish and her drop off at Edison was 6:35. After all it was last fall and I don't remember the exact details, since we opted out of the bus service.

We walked to elementary school and took the city bus to jr high and high school. My parents NEVER took me to school. If we missed the bus, we would just have to be late and take the next one.

SuperDave - Life experience is not just based on one factor but is based on many over the course of a lifetime. Your definition of “normal” might be quite different than another person’s definition of normal. There is just as much “danger” to the children who walk or bike to school that need to cross a busy street. Are we to close all of those streets because it poses a “danger” to our children? Yes, there is congestion at the schools. Always has been and always will be as long as the School District of Janesville continues to plan their schools for the way it was in the past instead of the way it will be in the future. If you have a problem with the amount of parents that drive their children to school, it is just that – your problem.

I rode the bus from K-4th since I was on the "country" route. Walked less than a block to school in 5th and once I entered middle school, got a ride in the morning since it was on the way to work for mom and walked home about a mile and a half after school. Sometimes our neighbor would pick up her kids and me and my sister when the weather was freezing but usually we walked or rode bikes. I rode my bike or walked to Craig until I got my license and then I only drove when it was crappy out.

I really don't see why parents utilize the bus system and have a little faith in their children. My parents never said they wouldn't drive me... but I rarely asked when I could get there myself. I liked that my parents trusted me and I learned time management.

I think they do that so the Edison kids get dropped off early, then they get the high schoolers there on time and go back to start the elementary route. After the first few days of school I said no more and decided to drive her myself. Like I said I have to go right that way anyways everyday so it is not out of my way at all.
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Besides all of that I enjoy our daily conversations on the way. It has even resulted in my knowing who she has a crush on...that is great info to know for keeping up with her soon to be teen age years.

justsome1here: You make a valid point. To the extent that parents spend "quality time" with their kids, then that's great. The problem is that too many parents are driving their kids to school (AND picking them up after), causing traffic congestion, waste of resources, and danger to the kids (on many different levels). Each parent is tempted to think that their situation is unique (which of course it is!) and that justifies driving their kids. In the end, the kids lose by missing the normal, basic experience of getting to school and back on their own.

farmgirl-That is not good. Why would they be bussed to school and then not allowed in the school or be supervised for at least 30 minutes. You would think the city wouldnt want the kids there unsupervised. How can they do that? That doesnt make sense.

SuperDave - You are welcome. I learned SO many things about my children's friends, teachers,and was able to be "educated" about their choice of music, all by driving my children to school. If you feel you would have "stunted" your children's development by spending this time with them, that was your choice. Your hypothesis that driving your children to school hurts their development is unsubstantiated.

Ihavealife I'm sorry I was out of line. I just get upset when you throw an idea out then someone instead of saying hey that might work, they say what about this or what about that, instead of saying that, add to the solution to make it work. I came up with 2 starting times you come up with how to work the bus schedule, and no I would not want some kids sitting on the bus for 30 or 40 minutes you would have to work out that problem as well with who rides with who on what bus.

No we are on the country route and only get the yellow bus service. It comes at 7:05 and drops her off at Edison at 7:10 there is no supervision until 7:45 and they are not allowed in the building until the bell rings unless it is raining or under -10. Why should I make her wait at school for 30 minutes when I have to drive right past there on my way everyday anyways?
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If we were closer to town then I would probably walk with her and then on to work, but we are about a mile from the nearest city bus stop and it is not a option as there are no sidewalks and many speed demon drivers down our road.

We can't have chubby little cherubs walking to school. Our school's spent huge amounts to enhance drop off's - the police warn of "stranger danger" and now they wonder why kids don't walk or bike. Let's spend $20,000 to find out why. And surprise, the most dangerous driver's around the schools are parents dropping off or picking up kids. Take a trip down Oakhill in front of Lincoln School. All streets in front of the school are yellow curbed to prevent drop offs. The front door of the school is locked and entry is by the back doors. Parents park on the crest of the hill and their kids run across the street where oncoming traffic doesn't see them. I called the Lincoln Principal and she brushed me off. Lincoln presents some of the greatest danger and has the most uncooperative administration.

ebaijunky06: No sarcasm intended! You documented the following problems caused by parents driving their kids to school:
1- Dropping kids off in front of the school.
2- Parking on the school side of the street.
3- Crossing the street against the crossing guard.
4- Speeders.
So I think we agree that there is a problem with the excessive traffic caused by parents driving their kids to school (and picking them up after school).

Superdave- Im not sure how to take your comment but it looks to me like your trying to be sarcastic.I didnt document anything. I was just sharing what they do to help dissolve the problems in my school district. Isnt that what this blog is about? If you dont like it go to a different blog!!!

ebaijunky06: Thank you for documenting all of the problems caused by parents driving their kids to school.

k_atie_e: I'm curious. How far is it to school when he is at your house? And I am shocked that "it took us a lot to finally decide to let him walk" only 3 blocks (from his father's house)! My bet is that your son is a lot smarter than you give him credit for. Walk him to school one day and point out all the bad high school drivers that you say are there if that makes you feel better. Three blocks is really, really close.

I dont live in janesville anymore, but the schools where I live have a different approach. A little girl was hit by a car in front of the elementary school after being dropped off on the opposite side of the school. Now what they do is....
1- no dropping kids off in front of the school on either side.
2-no parking on the school side of the street
There are at least 2 teachers out side to make sure they are not parking or dropping kids in the street...EVERYDAY
3-You can park on the opposite side of the street and drop your child off, but they have to WALK to the corner and cross with the crossingguard, they cannot cross the street except at the crossing guard.
4-There are 2 oneway streets on either side of the school and there is one police officer on each side to issue tickets to speeders. They are NOT afraid to issue the tickets either.
They have been doing this for a few years and have had no problems that I am aware of. It seems to have worked.

Farmgirl... The bus that stops by our house is always within 5 minute of schedule. Never see the kids waiting more the a few minutes. I know, lets have all parents drive their kids and then we could save all that money the school systems spend on buses!!!! We lived in the country and our kids rode the bus. To bad if they had to wait a few minutes for the bus.

farmgirl: As I re-read your post, you're saying that we provide a bus for your child and you choose to drive him/her to school...uh..why?? Because he/she would have to wait for the bus?? Say what???
I must be missing something....

Farmgirl, unfortunately, there have always been sex offenders. The only difference is now they are listed on a registry.
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There are billions of germs in the school restrooms, yet students use the restrooms anyway. If parents saw a list of the germs, they would no doubt be appalled. If parents knew the names and quantities of the germs, would it be prudent for parents to require their children to wear disposable gloves while in the restroom? Would the answer change if it was proven that wearing gloves in a public restroom could possibly save a child’s life? My point is that being aware of a problem does not increase the severity of the threat.
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I understand that, living in the country, it might not be reasonable to expect your child to walk a long distance to school. Is the school bus schedule really so variable that the pickup time can fluctuate by 30 minutes? I don’t know your exact situation, of course, but I would think that a child could stand outside by herself for 5 or 10 minutes near her house in the country without fear of molestation.

farmgirl: If you're referring to me, I am NOT "condemning driving kids to school". I just said...stop it. It does more harm than good. It makes the parent feel productive and useful, and allays the PARENT'S worries, all at the expense of the child. Then to top it off, the PARENT complains about the poor drivers and heavy traffic around the schools, which of course is created by parents who insist on providing a round-trip private car for their kids.

My son is a circumstance like many where he lives in two homes so when he is at my house I have to drive him. That would be way to far of a walk. But when at his fathers house whom lives only 3 blocks from Roosevelt but only 2 houses away from Craig and it took us a lot to finally decide to let him walk. We were very concerned with how the high school kids drive. My son knows to look both ways but does have you seen those 16 years old drive they come out of nowhere dont look and turn a corner. Than on the buddy system there is no kids that live anywhere near him that could walk with him, I would love it if he had. Roosevelt has done a lot to try and solve traffic problems but like was posted its a 75 year old school w/very very narrow streets. Widening them would help greatly!!

justsome1here: You said "Many do so because they want to, not because they have to". This is my whole point. Thank you. This is all about the parents making themselves feel useful, at the expense of their kids' development.
Eksreigh: Thanks. I forgot about the "bright yellow raincoat"s. What a great memory :O)
gwendt: There will always be scary realities out there. What's worse - to allow your kids to figure out life now, or to teach them that mommy and daddy will always be there for them?
Your kids get "roughed up"? Call the bullies' parents, call the other neighbors, call the police. Get involved, don't let some stupid bullies run your life! Cajones my friend.

Gwendt, that sort of thing has happened for centuries. It’s where a child learns how to respond to conflict, challenge, and aggression. Will the child begin to ask for (and receive) a chauffeured ride everywhere? Will the child learn to stand up for him- or herself, and say “no” to the bullies? Will the child meekly suffer the abuse and turn the other cheek? Whatever the outcome, a behavior response will become learned and later form a part of the child’s adult personality. Genuine bodily harm should not be tolerated, of course, but schoolyard hazing is just a part of growing up. My opinion is that children should learn to speak and stand up for themselves; other people’s opinions, of course, may differ.

Posted this on the other poll blog, thought I would add to it here: We live in the country and there are no side walks,so I drive. There is a school bus, but due to the time that my kid would have to be up at in the morning just to get on a bus and ride it just to get to school and have 30 minutes of waiting outside BEFORE there is any supervision is not a option I am willing to do.Besides after I drop off the kid, I then head to do my errands and work. It is not a wasted trip.
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And yes the idea of soooo many registered sex offenders in the area (not too mention the ones we don't know about), and the many reports of sleaze bags enticing children (some from their own yard) I do want to protect my kid, even if it means I have to drive. It is something so little that I can do, that could actually save her life.
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IMHO, Just think of the reaction a parent would get if they sent their child off to school and something god for bid did happen...there would be a out cry from some of these very people who are condemning driving kids to school. In stead they would be questioning why didn't the parent do something more to protect their child, that the parent should have been more responsible and driven their child to school to make sure they arrived safely. Just can't win I guess.
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P.S. to the poster who said buy bike locks...that is a joke, I know of a few kids whose bikes were stolen and they cut the locks off. whoever would do that to a little 3rd grader is a a$$ and these days most parents I know can't afford to go out and just buy a new bike

i heard of several younger kids being beat-up by older kids either going to or coming home from school. initiation into a gang might entail stealing lunch money or "roughing up" younger kids. No wonder parents are scared.

I’ve got to agree with SuperDave. Too many parents coddle their children these days. Children don’t need a car ride to school. We’re cheating them out of an hour’s worth of exercise each school day, and we’re teaching them that other people will take care of them.
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I am one of many who walked or biked to elementary school each day. If it was raining outside, I wore a bright yellow raincoat. By junior and senior high the bus became an additional option, but in thirteen years I probably received less than a dozen rides from my parents. If an otherwise healthy teenager can’t walk one mile to school because the distance is “too far,” that teenager is out of shape.

cardtrader, you're out of line! Apologize to ihavealife!!!!

SuperDave - "This is about parents unnecessarily chaffeuring their kids to/from school."
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Unless you are the "all seeing eye" (which I suspect you are not), you have no idea whether or not it is necessary for parents to "chauffeur" their children.
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Many do so because they want to, not because they have to. I pity the children whose parents can not be bothered to take time out from their "busy" lives to do so.

SuperDave -"Too much traffic, too fast, self-absorbed drivers - these are mostly parents!"
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You are a driver and you have confirmed that you are a parent. You were not specific.
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It is unfortunate that you finally bought a car to drive a mere 25 miles to work. I know of someone who would bike to work everyday from farther than that. Spoiled people!
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Wow - I was one of those parents that took my children to school. Silly me, I drove right past it on my way to work. How selfish of me!

Some years ago I tried to get the school district interested in "Walk To School Day" but interest was far from encouraging. Perhaps this year??? Come on, PTAs and PTOs. Let's get behind this one! http://www.walktoschool-usa.org/

leftofcenter: More cars on the road, all the more reason for NOT driving kids to school! Why add more cars, twice/day?? Can't stop the American love affair with the car? You may be right, but that is irrelevant to the discussion. You can love your car, and love driving, but that doesn't mean that it's somehow inevitable that every school kid gets a drop-off and pick-up in a private vehicle.
justsome1here: Who said I'm "against drivers"? That's just silly. For starters, I'm a driver myself. I did go almost an entire year without a vehicle, during which I walked or rode my bike everywhere. The only reason I finally bought a vehicle was when I decided to take a job that was more than 25 miles from home. More power to me - thanks! At any rate, I do not currently have children in school, so my driving habits are not relevant either. This is about parents unnecessarily chaffeuring their kids to/from school. And for the record, if I had school-age kids today, they would find a way to get their butts to school. I wouldn't hamstring them with dependence on someone else.

SuperDave - Since you seem to be against drivers I am assuming that you continue to walk and bike to work, the store, so on and so on. If you do, more power to you. If you don't, then obviously you must consider yourself part of the problem.

http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-a...

There are more vehicles on the road (230 million) than when SuperDave was a street smart kid. Most houses have 2 cars. Probably your mom didn't have to get to work by 8 am either - can't live on one income - everything costs more, wages haven't gone up with inflation. Maybe you could be a crossing guard or direct traffic and tell everybody to stop driving - cant stop american love affair with the car.

I walked or biked to school almost every day through elementary and middle school.

who: Thanks. Your first post cracked me up!

RockEnvironmentalNetwork: You touched on a lot of different issues:

1. Pedophiles have been around forever, today we simply have more information. This goes to teaching children to avoid creepy strangers, etc. Try the buddy system if you have specific concerns.
2. And crossing busy streets can be dangerous, yes! I think I was 3 when I was taught how to cross the street - by the older kids! (Not by my parents). And there were various times growing up when I lived three or more miles from school. Even then, my parents would never had even considered driving me! As I said earlier, it's walk, bike, or bus. So if I walked, I had to calculate how long it took so I wasn't late. I also had to figure out the best route - what streets don't have sidewalks, which is the best bridge to cross the river, which neighborhoods to avoid, etc. This is part of the education, folks. The only way to develop any "street smarts" is to actually be outside and experience life.
3. I understand that sometimes parents are "afraid to let kids out of their sight". This is the parents' problem. Your kids have to grow up sooner or later. Trust me, sooner is better. Be a parent and teach your children. Then let them go and learn from personal experience, really there is no substitute.
4. The physical layout of school grounds is a problem that can be addressed. But I guarantee you that there's not a school around that I cannot get to on foot, and also on a bicycle.
5. Too much traffic, too fast, self-absorbed drivers - these are mostly parents! The only solution is to stop doing that! Stop driving your kids to school!

I saw an article awhile back about a school district that stopped busing town kids completely and spent the money instead on crossing guards along walking routes. Instead of a bus route, there was a walk route. I think that's a great idea!

Oh - one other quick note - kids aren't allowed to ride bikes until 3rd grade - and they can't bring roller blades or skateboards to school either.

The missing part of this discussion, is that it seems every other week, parents get a note home that says a pediphile has been seen stalking kids in the neighborhood. Last year when that 12 year old boy was kidnapped right at the end of his driveway when he got off the schoolbus - makes parents afraid to let kids out of their sight, and frightened me, because it doesn't just happen to girls. Then we get the paper, and sex offenders are being released into our neighborhoods - so we have to warn our kids not to talk to anyone.

Madison School, the one shown in the photos, has NO PUBLIC ROADS adjacent to the school, and no stop, drop and go area. The only access to the school, is through the driveway shown in the picture, which you can't enter without a permit. Kids have to enter and exit school through specific doors, depending on their grade - so if I drop my son off at the corner of Grant and Ravine, he has an approximate 6 block walk to get to his door. If I walk him to his door, there is no parent parking lot - so you end up parking 3 blocks away - the whole set up is very dangerous, because of the lack of access to the school. When time permits, we walk can to school - but I wouldn't let him go on his own, because several of the corners have no stop signs, and people are routinely driving 40 MPH - and don't stop for pedestrians - or are on cell phone.

I understand people thinking that kids are lazy, and parents that drive kids to school are coddling them, but if EVERYONE walked to school, then it wouldn't be such an issue, because there wouldn't be so many cars racing on the roads. People speed through school zones, ignore crossing guards, and don't stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk, which is a law in Wisconsin. Remember the 7 year old kid on Court street 10 years ago? Trying to cross the street, one driver stopped to let him cross, and he got hit by a guy speeding past in the right lane - and died. Riding the bus and carpooling are definitely options - but many parents don't do it, because of before and after school activities, working late, etc. Open enrollment also adds to the problem - kids don't go to school in their own neighborhood, many times because of sitters or depending on specific programs offered at different schools.

Times are definitely different than when I was a kid - we walked home for lunch too! - I still remember the first day that girls were allowed to wear "slacks" to school!

SuperDave.... Wonderfully said. You have reached the heart of the problem. Parents wakeup. It's always someone elses fault. Look in the mirror.

No, the simple solution is to stop driving your kids to school. If you are driving your kids to school (AND picking them up after), YOU are causing the traffic problems. Unless your child is only 5 years old and has more than a mile to go, or is a special needs kid that might get lost, there is no reason he or she cannot figure out how to get to school. The problem is not lack of crossing guards (are you actually telling me that your kid is so stupid he/she can't even safely cross the street?!?!?). The problem is too many parents driving their kids around. They are indulging their kids and depriving them of the chance to get outside a little and explore the real world (as opposed to the inside of a car, their cell phone or other toy).
These kids are going to have problems when they get into their twenties. I speak from experience - I have worked in education, and many times I've had a parent contact the school with relatively minor concerns, something the student could/should handle. This was at the college level, these students are ADULTS. But the clinging parents think they have to walk their "kids" through every aspect of life, otherwise something really bad might happen (such as actual life experience for example).
Smothered by mother. It is really sad.

Kindergarten - 5th Grade • School Hours 8:20 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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6th Grade-8th Grade - School Hours 8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
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9th Grade - 12th Grade - School Hours - 8:00 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.

wha! wha! wha! there is a simple solution to this problem, have (2)different starting times 45 minutes apart this will loosen the load of cars arriving and leaving at school at the same time. Then work on how to schedule the classes so everyone is happy parents teachers and everyone involved.

Also parents need to learn Stop, Drop and Go means Goooo! Not watch your little ones or hang out and talk to other parents or your cell phone..And speed limits are 15 mph around schools I love when parents take the side road between Monroe and Marshll and are flying through there Hello Kids are in the area!!!!

I would let my kids walk to school if I could of got them in the school a couple blocks away but sense Janesville does open enrollment that school was full!Now it's funny I get a letter saying my kids are more than welcome to go there sense a lot of people are leaving. This city never should of put Marshall where they did and maybe the traffic wouldn't be a total mess yes parents are parcial blame but the city needs blame also!!!!

If the parents are so concerned about the crossings then WALK with your little ones. A little excerise for both the kids and parents won't hurt. I agree with you bennetonf1, I see it everyday. I see this on a deadend street with no traffic. The kids can't walk 200 yards to where the bus stops. I guess the parents think the cold, rain or sun might damage the poor little things.

How about the parents that drive their little angles down to the end of their driveway of their suburban yuppie castle in their Lexus' and sit there waiting for the bus.

Yep, back in the good old days we walked to school. Now I see parents drive the kids to school who only live 3 short blocks from it. Good grief.!! Which are more whimpish the kids or parents?

They should have taken a picture where I live... two parochial schools, an elementary school, and a high school. I'm right in the middle of it all.

Let us not forget that the poor choice for locations of these schools also has contributed to the congestion problems. Harrison, Kennedy, Monroe, Marshall and Craig are all adjacent to or back up to greenbelts (not sure about the rest of the schools). Monroe and Marshall are located in commercial as well as residential areas. Parking as always been a nightmare at all schools, whether you are there to pick up, drop off, conferences, concerts, etc. This is not a new phenomenon. It has been going on for years.

One of the causes of the traffic problems is the large size of the schools.

To take an example, Roosevelt school is over 75 years old. The original school building has been expanded many times, most recently in 2005. And the more children at the school, the further away, on average, they live, and hence the more likely to drive.

So, here's a solution: Instead of expanding schools and drawing from a large area, just make more schools. More kids will be within walking distance, more will walk, fewer cars will be coming to school, and safety will be improved.

Let's not forget the parents who cross their children at corners where there is no cross walk. I see this alot in front of Monroe Elementary. Mom or Dad push lil "Johnny" or "Susie" in front of them, into the road and rush them across. The cross walk isn't that far away.

Alot of this is caused by the "open enrollment".. Kids that should be going to a school in their own district, instead they are not on a bus route so parents have to drive them to school..In my case we are located in Milton on a road that is just far enough that my daughter has to get a ride, mainly because there are 2 main roads that do not have crossing guards.. With the traffic of the high schoolers flying around in the morning I cannot let her walk, along with no crossing guards and having to pass through yet another elementary school zone. I find the bigger problem is the engineering that goes into designing these schools and their parking lots etc.. If any of you pick up or drop off at Northside in Milton (or heck any school in Milton)- then you know my pain!! It is an accident waiting to happen everyday!

Recession, "What recession?" I'll know when there's a slowdown when the Craig HS parking lots aren't packed to bursting. I can't imagine the amount of money being dumped into the tank, permit fees and insurance for a lot of these kids to drive themselves to school and home. Most do not even car pool as far as I can tell. My son does ride his bike to elementry school weather permitting. However, he has to go down Ruger to Ringold instead of up Racine because of the nightmare at the corner of Racine and Randall. I've seen more than one kid hit on a bike at that corner. I spoke with a cop about putting a traffic cop at that intersection. No manpower is the answer maybe they could get out from behind the radar detectors although their probably fearful of getting in the middle of that intersection. There are 3 elementry schools and a high school within a mile radious of that intersection. The traffic at certain times will lineup from Randall all the way back to Palmer Park. Has anybody thought to stagger the start of school between elementry and the high schools to knock the congestion down. Walking no way unless they put in a Xing gaurd. A seasoned NY ciy pedestrian would think twice about crossing the road there.

Some of these parents sit in their vehicles outside the schools for an hour before school gets out. Engines running. You look at them and see they also have an obesity problem.

I have never been able to figure out the phenomenom of parents driving their kids to school. That was pretty much unheard of back in the day. In all of my years of school, I remember getting a ride from my dad exactly one time. The rest of the time, we figured it out on our own. Either walk, ride your bike, take the bus - whatever. Are today's kids so ignorant that they can't even figure out simple logistics without mommy or daddy helping them? And we didn't even have the internet!!
Someone please explain this to me. How is it that kids can figure out what they're supposed to wear to express their individuality (which means dressing like everyone else), how to obtain and consume illegal drugs if they so choose, how to operate the latest electronic device...but they're just too precious to get themselves to school on time without a parental chaffeur??? I don't get it.

If the parents that do drop off and pick up would actually follow the rules there might be less of a problem. Marshall Middle School tried, again, a few months ago to get parents to stop pulling into the staff parking lot to drop off and pick up their kids. It worked for about a week. Nobody in Janesville thinks that the rules apply to them. That's a great thing to teach your kids.

Don't forget the 15 MPH speed limit in school zones when children are present. In other words...

The parents taking their kids to school in the mornings these days are crazy drivers. I get these young mother flying up behind me in huge SUV's drop the kids off while they are still in the road and stop traffic. Then after I get a few blocks away they are on my bumper again. Totally unsafe to drive this way with kids all over.

What, walk to school or ride a bike!!!!!! That would be old fashion. Us lazy kids today can't do that. We would rather ride in our mom's big SUV and smoke a joint on the way to school.