The journey to school is more than just a daily routine for students; it's an opportunity to foster healthier lifestyles and improve overall well-being. Active transportation, which includes walking and biking to school, has been identified as a key contributor to increasing physical activity among children and adolescents. However, despite its benefits, the prevalence of active transportation has significantly declined over the past few decades. This blog explores insights from a systematic review of interventions aimed at promoting active transportation to school and provides actionable strategies for practitioners.
The Importance of Active Transportation
Active transportation is not merely a mode of commuting; it is a vital component of children's daily physical activity. Research has shown that children who engage in active commuting exhibit higher levels of physical fitness and better cardiovascular health. Yet, the decline in active transportation suggests a need for effective interventions to reverse this trend.
Key Findings from the Systematic Review
- The review identified 14 interventions focusing on promoting active transportation among primary school children in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
- Most interventions employed quasi-experimental designs and reported small effect sizes on increasing active transportation.
- The interventions varied widely in their strategies, scope, and effectiveness.
- Successful interventions often involved a combination of preparation, promotion, programs, policies, and physical projects (the 5 P's).
Strategies for Practitioners
Practitioners seeking to promote active transportation can draw inspiration from successful intervention strategies identified in the review:
1. Engage Multiple Stakeholders
Effective interventions involve collaboration among schools, parents, and communities. Engaging these stakeholders ensures a supportive environment for implementing changes that encourage walking or biking to school. Consider organizing meetings with parents and community leaders to discuss safety concerns and potential solutions.
2. Implement Safe Routes Programs
Programs like Safe Routes to School (SRTS) have shown promise in increasing active commuting. These programs focus on improving infrastructure around schools, such as sidewalks and crosswalks, to enhance safety for young pedestrians and cyclists.
3. Promote Walking School Buses
A Walking School Bus (WSB) involves groups of children walking to school with adult supervision along designated routes. This approach not only promotes physical activity but also addresses safety concerns by ensuring adult presence during commutes.
4. Tailor Interventions to Local Contexts
Each community has unique characteristics that influence the success of interventions. Tailoring strategies to local needs and conditions can enhance their effectiveness. For instance, urban areas may require different approaches compared to rural settings.
Encouraging Further Research
The systematic review highlights the need for more rigorous research with higher-quality study designs. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or initiate research efforts that explore innovative strategies for promoting active transportation. By contributing to the body of knowledge in this field, practitioners can help identify best practices that lead to sustainable changes in commuting behaviors.
Conclusion
The decline in active transportation among students calls for concerted efforts from educators, parents, policymakers, and researchers alike. By implementing evidence-based strategies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, we can create environments that support healthier commuting options for children. Active transportation not only enhances physical health but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on motor vehicles.
A systematic review of interventions for promoting active transportation to school
