A matched pairs approach to assessing parental perceptions and preferences for mode of travel to school

Abstract

Over the past half-century active school travel has declined while driving children to school has increased. A greater understanding of why some children are driven to school when conditions support active school travel is needed. This study examined the relationship between parental perceptions and preferences with mode of travel to school among grade 5 and 6 students in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Environmental and distance effects were controlled for by matching children who travelled to school using different travel modes (walking or driving) while living in the same neighborhood and attending the same school. Survey data from the Built Environment and Active Transportation Research Project (BEAT) contained information on parental perceptions and preferences. A conditional logistic regression model tested the relationship between travel mode and the independent variables within the matched pairs (n = 118). Parental preferences were the most important factors related to mode choice within the matched pairs. Children were more likely to walk if the parents agreed that driving to school sets a bad example. Children were more likely to be driven if the parent perceived driving as easier and quicker than walking. Boys had higher odds of walking than girls. These findings confirm a need to address the concept of convenience in future research, practice and policy regarding active school travel.