Introduction
This study investigates active-transport-to-school
initiatives through the Active Living by Design Community Action Model
framework. The framework outlines five strategies that influence physical
activity: preparation, promotion, programs, policies, and physical projects.
Methods
A comparative case study was conducted to investigate
active-transport-to-school initiatives at two North Carolina schools. A group of
key stakeholders from each site was interviewed (N = 16), including principals,
physical education teachers, public safety officers, city planners, regional
transportation planners, city council members, and parent representatives.
Content analysis was carried out using NVivo software, and data were evaluated
using the framework.
Results
Applications designed around all five strategies positively
influenced active-transport-to-school programs. Both schools used similar
strategies including promotional tactics, policies, and physical projects;
however, only one used all five strategies. The scope and duration of these
strategies varied by school and ultimately seemed to influence their success.
Enablers and challenges to active-transport-to-school programs were identified,
including funding, school location, available infrastructure, community
involvement, school support, parental buy-in, and sufficient program
promotion.
Conclusion
The quality of the strategies, not their mere presence
or use, proved important in active-transport-to-school programs. These results
suggest that a multidisciplinary approach that develops promotional materials,
resources, school support, and environmental changes to sustain factors that
influence parental buy-in will prove critical to the success of future
walk-to-school initiatives.