Abstract Children’s travel behaviour varies from that of adults in several ways: they have less choice about where they go and often they are not allowed to travel unescorted by an older person. The factors that influence children’s travel behaviour have changed in recent years, with the development of car-oriented lifestyles, increased numbers of mothers in employment and changes in attitudes towards children’s independent mobility. The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of children’s travel behaviour and its implications for their volumes of physical activity and so for their health. After considering the nature of children’s travel behaviour and the factors that influence it, the effects of children’s travel behaviour on their volumes of physical activity are discussed; then some measures being adopted in Britain to reverse the adverse trends are described. Conclusions are drawn in terms of the policy implications.

    Highlights ►► Trends in children’s travel behaviour are reducing their physical activity levels. ► Modern lifestyles and concerns about children’s security have led to more car use. ► Walking to and from school uses more calories than PE and games lessons. ► Children who walk to activities are more energetic than those who go by car. ► Measures to increase walking and cycling by children need to be evaluated.


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    Title :

    Children’s travel behaviour and its health implications


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Transport Policy ; 26 ; 66-72


    Publication date :

    2012-01-01


    Size :

    7 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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