Active commuting to school among NSW primary school children: implications for public health

Health Place. 2006 Dec;12(4):678-87. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2005.09.003. Epub 2005 Nov 2.

Abstract

Regular active commuting by walking/cycling can help maintain an active lifestyle. The frequency, duration and correlates of school active commuting were examined for primary school children in NSW, Australia. Walking/cycling-only and in combination with bus/car were of short duration (median 7 or 4 min, respectively) and their frequency dropped within a short distance (>0.75 km) from school. Apart from distance, child's age, school affiliation and perceived safety, regular walking/cycling (10 trips, 22%) was associated with parents' travel mode to work and with father taking the child to school. Frequent walking/cycling (5 trips, 37%) was associated with child's level of independence and the perceived benefits of active commuting. Behaviour change in this setting requires multi-level strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bicycling
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • New South Wales
  • Public Health*
  • Schools*
  • Transportation*
  • Walking