This paper outlines a behavioral model of school transportation (BMST) that includes useful considerations for designing interventions to promote active school travel.
RESULTS:
- The researcher identified five intervening factors that influence the relationship of neighborhood built and social environment to child independent mobility and active travel: proximity, traffic and safety, connectivity, comfort and attractiveness, and opportunity for social interaction.
- The researcher also hypothesized that families consider whether children will travel independently or escorted by a parent/guardian based on three factors: (1) importance of having an escort, based on household attitude, child physical and cognitive development, and neighborhood environment; (2) vehicle ownership and access to mobility options; and (3) work or travel schedule constraints.
METHODS:
- This paper reviewed the literature on active transportation to school and common theories from public health, planning, and environmental psychology used to explain travel behavior. The research developed a conceptual framework to describe multi-level factors influencing school mode choice that could be applied to interventions to increase children’s active mobility and physical activity.
Mitra, R. (2013). Independent Mobility and Mode Choice for School Transportation: A Review and Framework for Future Research. Transport Reviews 33(1), 21-43.
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