Active school travel
We’ve recently launched a new evidence paper – Active school travel!
The paper presents the latest findings, research, support and guidance to make active school travel a reality for many more children across the country. This also supports the work in Australia to improve the current D+ score that we have in our children meeting the recommended
24-hour movement guidelines.
‘Active school travel benefits children and teens by providing an opportunity to engage in physical activity through walking, biking, or scooting on the school journey.’
‘Research shows active school travel helps students meet national physical activity guidelines, develop healthier body compositions and greater fitness levels, and reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Despite these benefits, only one-third of Australian children use active travel for at least part of their school journey. Beyond physical health, active school travel contributes to mental well-being, social interaction, and academic performance.’
‘Additionally, active school travel can reduce road congestion, traffic emissions, and air pollution, making it a crucial climate change mitigation strategy and improving heart health across the community.’
‘Community support for improvements is strong, highlighting the need for integrated policies at the local level’.
The Paper further discusses built environment barriers and enablers to active school travel. It provides guidance on urban planning solutions to enable and encourage more children to walk, wheel and ride bikes to school.
The Heart Foundation gratefully acknowledges the following researchers who have authored the discussion paper: Shannon Sahlqvist (Lead Author), Anna Timperio, Verity Cleland, Venurs Loh, Jenny Veitch, Hayley Christian and Jack Evans.
We’re also grateful for the support from Deakin University Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Tasmania Menzies Institute for Medical Research, Victoria University and the Kids Research Institute Australia.