Nevada Moves Day puts emphasis on exercise

Sixth-grader Morgan Mulligan whisks downhill to Bob Miller Middle School on her scooter.

Reading instructor Erich Dorzab pedals his bicycle to the Henderson campus every day.

For Nevada Moves Day on Wednesday, Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen and Clark County School Board Trustee Deanna Wright accompanied schoolchildren on a one-mile hike to the school from the Multi-generational Center near Green Valley and Paseo Verde parkways.

Transportation requiring some form of vigorous exercise was celebrated as a cure to the many ailments of modern life, including obesity, pollution, traffic congestion and the high costs of living.

Pushing a scooter, pedaling a bike and walking helps children get their recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, educators said.

While Mulligan has an easy ride to school, she must exert herself to go home, especially since she must carry a case with her musical instrument.

"Going uphill is a little difficult because of the trumpet," said the 11-year-old scooter rider.

City and school officials want to alleviate traffic congestion, especially at the beginning and the end of the school day when vehicles crowd the campus on Cozy Hill Drive.

To reassure parents concerned about safety, the city of Henderson is developing recommended routes to school for all of the city's 22 elementary schools, Hafen said.

"Hopefully they will be ready by the beginning of the next school year," the mayor said. "They will be available in print and online. They will have a map that will help parents choose the safest route to school for their kids to walk or bike."

Hafen believes if "we got more participation in walking and biking to school, it would relieve traffic congestion and reduce pollution."

During these tough economic times, some of the staff at Bob Miller are pedaling to save money.

"Gas is nearly $4 a gallon," noted Assistant Principal Butch Heiss, a former bicycle racer who tries to ride his bike to school at least once a week.

Dorzab, the reading instructor, chose his house for its proximity to work.

To keep expenses down, "my wife and I decided to become a one-car family," he said.

"My wife takes the car and the kids. I ride to school."

Contact reporter James Haug at jhaug@reviewjournal.com or 702-374-7917.