Degree
Master of Science
Program
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Supervisor
Gilliland, Jason A.
Abstract
Most Canadian children are not achieving their daily recommended physical activity (PA) levels despite the many emotional, psychological, and physical benefits of PA. Walking or wheeling to/from school, or active school travel (AST), is a viable method for improving children’s daily participation in PA. In Canada, the Active and Safe Routes to School initiative promotes AST through its comprehensive School Travel Planning (STP) program. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, broadly, this thesis investigates the i) implementation and ii) effectiveness of a regional, two-year STP program supporting AST. This thesis includes a systematic review of AST intervention models implemented in North America, a qualitative investigation of the program’s implementation and sustainability, and a quantitative analysis of the STP program’s impact on AST participation and perceptions. Findings are relevant to intervention facilitators and evaluators, school administrators, public health practitioners, local law enforcement agencies, community planners, and parents.
Recommended Citation
Buttazzoni, Adrian Nicholas, "Active and Safe Routes to School: Evaluating School Travel Planning to Support Children's Active Travel" (2018). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 5691.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/5691
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Human Geography Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons