Factors that are perceived as supporting or hindering active school travel (AST): go-along interviews with primary school children and their parents

Abstract

ABSTRACT Children’s school journeys can provide a daily source of physical activity, social interaction, and independence. Many studies focus on quantitative analyses of factors influencing active school travel (AST) from an adult-centric perspective. This study analyses children’s and adults’ perspectives on school travel behaviour and route perceptions using qualitative walking interviews. We conducted 14 go-along interviews with primary school children and their parents along different routes to school in Leipzig, Germany. We transcribed the interviews, analysed the factors perceived to support or hinder AST and mapped the route perceptions. The results of our study provide detailed insights into individual, family and route environment-related factors of AST. Perceived traffic safety along the routes was most relevant for all parents we interviewed. The other factors differed according to the mode of transport and accompaniment. Children who regularly walk to school report on numerous positively perceived places, e.g. associated with social interaction, play, and hiding activities. Our findings suggest that enabling children to gain positive experiences along their routes might be a chance to increase active and independent school travel.