State aims to get more kids walking to school

CHICAGO - With the help of federal funding, Illinois is trying to get more children to walk and bike to school with projects including new and better sidewalks.

The $5.9 million will go toward 58 projects around the state in what's being dubbed the Illinois Safe Routes to School program.

Besides sidewalks, projects include countdown signals at pedestrian crossings and speed feedback signs to show drivers how fast they're going.

The idea is to create a safer environment for children to walk and bike to school. And that includes those with disabilities.

Besides promoting healthy habits, Gov. Pat Quinn's office says the program will reduce vehicle traffic and associated air pollution near schools.

Quinn says "students deserve to feel safe while traveling to and from school."