Barriers to Active Travel: Among Primary School-Aged Children in Wellington

Abstract

Active school travel (walking, biking, scootering or skating to and from school) is declining in Wellington. This is concerning because active forms of transport benefit children’s mental and physical health, as well as producing wider societal benefits such as less noise, reduced air pollution, lower congestion and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This article explores the barriers to active school travel among primary school-aged children in Wellington, based on an anonymous online survey of parents. The results indicate that the main barriers to active school travel are related to safety concerns, family schedule complexities, and the efficiency of other modes of transport. Possible solutions include a walking school bus programme and more flexible working hours for parents, specifically during school drop-off and pick-up times.