Distance, gender and family affluence have been found to be the main factors influencing whether a child walks or cycles to school, according to new research carried out by the ADR Wales Climate Change team.
The findings, which are found in the team’s most recent Data Insight, highlight distance as a critical factor shaping how pupils travel to school. Active travel school (ATS) is defined as walking, cycling or wheeling as a means of transport to get to a particular destination for everyday journeys. It has well-documented health benefits, including a lower risk of obesity, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced mental wellbeing.
Active travel was more common among boys than girls, and rates declined progressively with higher levels of family affluence. Overall, around 35% of pupils reported walking or cycling to school.
This research demonstrates the value of using linked survey and geospatial data to identify behavioural trends associated with active travel in children between the ages of 11 and 16 in Wales.
Lead author and ADR Wales Climate Change Research Officer, Theodora Pouliou, said, “This research demonstrates the power of linking survey, administrative and geospatial data to provide fresh insights into how children in Wales travel to school. By uncovering how distance, alongside demographic and socio-economic factors, shape active travel behaviours in secondary-aged pupils, we can help inform policies that make walking and cycling safer, more accessible, and more appealing for young people. This is a vital step towards supporting healthier lifestyles and reducing carbon emissions in line with Wales’s climate and wellbeing goals.”