Between 2000/01, four primary and one secondary school in Guildford Borough took part in a large scale research project headed by Birgitta Gatersleben. The study aimed to investigate how both parents and children perceive the journey to school, and alternatives to car use.
Surrey has one of the highest rates of school runs by car, with an estimated 54% of school trips, compared with the national average of 30% by car. To evaluate the determinants of such a modal split, several schools in the Ash Vale area were included in research project to evaluate the values and opinions of the journey to school; how the parents viewed their child’s journey, and the views of the students.
Questionnaires covered various fields, with parents asked about their child’s usual travel mode, future travel modes to school and concerns they may have about travelling to school. Children were asked similar questions, and also how they felt about different modes of travel, including preferred modes.
The findings of the research showed that that for primary school children, about half are driven to school, compared to secondary school where about half walk. Parents would like their children to walk more, but concerns about distance and safety (roads & strangers) were barriers. For primary school children, most are happy with their travel, each mode has its benefits, with a preference for walking and cycling with adults, and a dislike for buses and walking alone. Secondary school children again had a disliking for the bus, but while they saw walking alone as unsafe, it was seen as a popular choice.
To find out more details about this project, please see:
Gatersleben, B., Leach, R., Uzzell, D. (2002) Walking Buses and Croco-cycles: implementing and Evaluating a Safe Walking and Cycle Routes to School Programme. University of Surrey.
