Citation

Bhosale J, Duncan S, Schofield G. J. Transp. Health 2017; 7: 247-255.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jth.2017.09.004

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Previous research has indicated a decline in children's independent mobility; however, comparisons between directly-related generations are scarce. This study sought to determine the direct generational change in children's independent mobility and active transport in a large sample of New Zealanders. 544 children (mean age 12.2 ± 0.6 years) and 500 parents (43.9 ± 5.8 years) participated in the study. Independent mobility (IM) was measured with IM Licences (parental permission to travel unsupervised) and IM Index (summed score from a questionnaire of destinations independently travelled). Questions on active transport, organsied activities, bicycle and vehicle ownership were also included. Parents recalled their behaviour retrospectively as 10-12-year-olds. Generalised linear modelling indicated that the proportion of parents who actively transported to and from school was significantly higher than in children (91.8% vs. 49.3% to school; 93.2% vs. 56.9% from school). The IM Index dropped generationally for both males (2.05 to 1.53) and females (1.77 to 1.40). Significant differences in IM Licences were also observed: parents being allowed to travel to school (OR 2.18 95% CI: 1.31, 3.63), cross main roads (OR 2.26 95% CI: 1.34, 3.71.), cycle main roads (OR 4.99 95% CI: 3.62, 6.87), and be out after dark (OR 3.05 95% CI: 2.12, 4.38) compared to children today. Bike ownership increased generationally with adults having an average of 2.5 bikes (95% CI: 2.37, 2.64) and children having 3.3 (95% CI: 3.05, 3.54). The average number of organised activities for adults was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.62, 1.89), which increased in children to an average number of 4.1 activities (95% CI: 3.89, 4.25). These findings demonstrate a clear generational decline in children's independent mobility and active transport. Greater promotion of active modes of travel and unstructured roaming in the neighbourhood may be an important step in reversing the reduction in this fundamental behaviour.

Keywords: SR2S

Language: en

Keywords

prevalence; active transport; Independent mobility; unsupervised travel