Do Milwaukee kids still walk alone to school?

Recently, someone asked me when my kids would walk to school alone. We only live three blocks from our elementary school, but the answer is still never.

One reason is because we don’t have crossing guards in my neck of the ‘hood, I mean woods, and I also have general safety concerns.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m not complaining about this. I recognize where I live is a choice. However, it got me thinking about Milwaukee school kids in general.

I grew up in the Downer Avenue neighborhood, and my sister and I walked to and from school from the time we were in first or second grade. It’s a cliche to say it’s a different world today than it was 25 years ago, even though it’s true.

So it’s almost 2010 and I’m wondering if there are any neighborhoods left in Milwaukee where parents feel comfortable letting their elementary-school-aged kids walk to and from school? I really hope there are.