A31 Perceived challenges and facilitators of active commuting following implementation of the School Travel Plan programme in New Zealand children and adolescents. Issue 2 (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hinckson, Erica
• Is Part Of: Journal of transport & health. Volume 2:Issue 2(2015:Jun.)Supplement
• Page Start: S21
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Transportation -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Noise, Transportation -- Periodicals; Air Pollutants -- Periodicals; 388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2015.04.519
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-1405

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Promoting active travel modes is a logical way to improve health outcomes, enhance social capital, and reduce traffic related congestion. With this focus in mind, Auckland's transport agency developed a series of School Travel Plan initiatives in primary, intermediate, and secondary schools as part of the TravelWise for Schools programme. The initiative incorporated educational and promotional campaigns to promote carpooling and active transport, combined with the Walking School Bus, cycle training for students, parking restrictions, building of traffic calming measures, and improvement of roads and footpaths. The key to School Travel Plan was the collaboration among schools, local community, and other stakeholders in order to develop travel strategies tailored to meet the needs of individual schools. At each school, development and implementation of the School Travel Plan was facilitated by a travel coordinator. The aim of the present study was to explore the perceived challenges and facilitators of active commuting (e.g. walking and/or cycling) to and from school following implementation of the School Travel Programme through qualitative feedback from children and adolescents. Methods: A focus group consisting of 4-6 children was conducted in 12 primary schools and 3 high schools. The participants were asked specific questions using a semi-structured process. Responses were audio-taped. Key themes were drawn via thematic analysis Results: Key findings from the children's groups were: i) there was preference for walking or cycling to school, ii) the most common reason for active commuting was the opportunity to socialize with friends, iii) there was a desire to see more Walking School Bus routes initiated, iv) curriculum based activities were not remembered and v) traffic safety was still a concern. Findings from the adolescent focus groups revealed: i) laziness, injury and bad weather were the main reason for travelling by car, ii) walking was seen as a good way to exercise, enjoy fresh air and an opportunity to talk to friends, iii) cycling was a favorite mode of transport, iv) lack of adequate security measures prevented cycling from being a viable option, v) public transport was perceived as having a positive social element. Conclusions: The School Travel Plan was a comprehensive initiative designed to promote active commuting to and from school. Overall, children and adolescents preferred active modes from passive ones, understood the benefits of active commuting and provided valuable information which formed the basis of future plan implementation.