Citation

O'Brien C, Tranter PJ. World Transp. Policy Pract. 2010; 15(4): 42-54.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Eco-Logica)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Children provide an insight into our understanding of the link between walking and happiness, as walking is a playful experience for them. Many adults make trips simply because they are focussed on getting to a destination. Children on the other hand, are more often able to enjoy the "places" along the way, rather than being focused on the "next task." Evidence from positive psychology indicates that happiness and positive emotions contribute to our health and well-being. Slowing down, enjoying life‟s pleasures, and appreciating our friends, community and environment are all linked to enhanced well-being. Despite an awareness of such benefits, government policies can often be seen as undermining well-being, even by discouraging walking to school by children. This paper examines the impact of a policy of school closures on the viability of walking school buses.

Keywords: positive psychology, walking school buses, children, community, environment