Resource Library

In April 2011, the National Afterschool Association released physical activity standards for afterschool programs and summer camps, but many of the existing standards and policies lack clearly defined benchmarks. 

In this study, a school choice policy that decreased the overall distance from students’ residences to school was not associated with significant changes in active commuting. Even though commute distance is often associated with active travel to school, this study shows that other policies and education/engagement programs might 

School environments that support active commuting best encourage young people’s participation in different types of physical activities. 

This guide offers practical tools for adult facilitators to support middle school students in the promotion of safe walking, bicycling, and public transit use to and from school. Student-led campaigns can generate enthusiasm and improve the social conditions for a Safe Routes to School program!

KEY TAKEAWAY:

Regular participation in physical activity and higher levels of physical fitness have been linked to improved academic performance and brain function, including attention and memory.

Factors associated with motor-vehicle collisions involving child pedestrians may differ by mid-block or intersection location, which may be an important consideration for safe walks to school.

Perceptions about safety and aesthetics of the neighborhood environment can influence physical activity in children and adults.

Key Takeaway:

• School policy to support shared use and SRTS can promote student safety and reduce school administrators’ liability concerns.

The Active Transportation Program (ATP) is a statewide grant program that encourages bicycling and walking, especially for children traveling to school and for residents of disadvantaged communities.

Key takeaway: Exposure to bullying may be a barrier to biking and walking to school.

KEY TAKEAWAY:

• Physical activity is a win-win for students and teachers.

Aspects of the built environment, including residential density, intersection density, and neighborhood walkability, are associated with increased walking and biking among teens.

Attitudes toward bicycling may be influenced by crashes and other incidents experienced throughout the life course.

In this study, children living in dense, urban areas were more likely to participate in active transportation to school and for other purposes. Children’s preferences for autonomy and independent travel are related to parental confidence in their ability to travel independently.

In this study, characteristics of the built environment en route to school were connected with likelihood of walking or cycling to school more strongly than the built environment around homes.
Better public transportation access may influence the likelihood of walking or cycling to school.

Biking and walking to school may vary by factors like distance to school, speed of traffic, school encouragement, and children asking permission.

Parental participation in active transportation may directly and indirectly affect active transportation use among their children.

This study developed a measure of traffic calming highly correlated with active travel to school that could be used to inform policy and planning decisions.

Japanese student takes transit/walks to school by herself. An educational video on the daily routine for children in Japan that showcases their independence.

This analysis provides background information and supportive data for planners,transportation professionals, advocates, and policy makers working to encourage community design that promotes active transportation. Through this report, individuals will be able to highlight the co-benefits of street-scale interventions that support walking and biking.