You can help reduce pollution as kids return to school

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Thousands of Valley students are heading back to school in this heat over the next couple of weeks. A SurveyUSA poll shows 66 percent are driven to school, 16 percent walk or bike, and another 13 percent take the bus. With a lot more cars on the road and idling near school campuses, the Valley sees a spike in pollution levels. Here's how you can help.

After-school pickup at Edison Computech. This is a scene that will be happening at over 1,600 schools Valley-wide. But at this campus, a more efficient pickup policy reduces traffic and idling.

"And they make sure the kids are up behind the gate so they can usher them into the cars. I'm sure it cuts back on a lot of pollution as well," said parent Susana Flores.

A recent SurveyUSA poll asked parents, "How concerned are you about air quality in our area right now?" 53 percent answered "very concerned."

"30 to 50 cars at each one of those schools, idling for 10 to 30 minutes in the afternoon, in that 2 to 5 window pumps a lot of emissions in the air," said Heather Heinks with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

The Air District has partnered with local schools to install signs, reminding parents to "turn off your engine."

"We understand it will require parking, going inside, maybe finding some shade. We're hoping parents will collaborate," said Heinks.

The Air District is also asking everyone to participate in a practice air alert by reducing their driving next week -- hoping more people will consider carpooling or even walking or biking to and from school, like the Durham family, shopping for a new bike for soon-to-be 4th grader Katherine

"More her size. She doesn't (bike to school) yet. But because we're so close now to her school, she probably will do that," said parent Amy Durham.

"Well it'll be a little challenging because I need someone to ride with me because I still have to cross the street to get to my school," said Katherine Durham.

Ben Medrano at Rubber Soul bike shop in North Fresno says anytime kids can ditch the car for a bike is a win-win.

"It's great for us but it's great for the kids too. Childhood obesity is something to be concerned about; it helps that," said Medrano. "It's great for the air quality, fewer cars. So there's a whole bunch of by-products that come from riding a bike."

Another useful tool is the free RAAN app, which is the Real-Time Air Advisory Network. You can monitor the district's network to check pollution levels near you.