Exploring Stakeholder Perspectives of Active School Travel Policies in Ontario
Abstract
Children’s use of Active School Travel (AST) presents a wide range of health, social, and environmental benefits. Policy changes to promote AST are needed; however, previous research related to AST stakeholder perceptions and experiences regarding policy change is limited, and no studies have explored this problem in the context of Ontario, Canada. In response to the current research gap, this thesis aims to answer two questions: 1) how can policy change promote AST? and 2) what barriers do AST stakeholders face in enacting proposed policy changes? Key informant interviews were conducted with AST stakeholders, including representatives from municipalities, school boards, student transportation services, public health units, the provincial government, police service, and a road safety non-profit organization. An inductive thematic analysis of interview transcripts uncovered themes relating to stakeholders’ perceptions of barriers to AST and policy change. Findings provide practical implications for improving AST policies in Ontario.