Environmental Factors Affecting Youth Active Travel
Author Information
Author(s): Jenna R Panter, Andrew P Jones, Esther MF van Sluijs
Primary Institution: University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK; Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, Cambridge, UK
Hypothesis
How do environmental factors influence active travel behaviors in youth?
Conclusion
The study reviews literature on environmental influences on youth active travel and proposes a new framework for understanding these relationships.
Supporting Evidence
- Youth active travel is positively associated with social interactions and road safety.
- Shorter routes and better facilities encourage more walking and cycling among children.
- Parental perceptions of safety significantly influence children's active travel behaviors.
Takeaway
This study looks at how things like safety and nearby parks can help kids walk or bike more. It suggests that we need to think about these factors when planning where kids travel.
Methodology
The review included 24 studies examining the relationship between environmental factors and active travel in youth aged 5-18.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include self-reporting inaccuracies and the influence of parental perceptions on children's travel behaviors.
Limitations
The review is limited by the variability in study designs and the reliance on self-reported measures of active travel.
Participant Demographics
Youth aged 5-18, with studies primarily from the US, Australia, and Europe.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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