How Active Commuting to School Helps Kids Get Fit

How far can a kid be expected to walk to school? According to new research, it depends on the distance between home and school. Walking or riding a bike to school, also called active commuting, is a great way for kids to fit regular exercise into their day. The authors of an article published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity analyzed the commuting habits of a large of group of Irish teenagers, to determine the influence of distance on their choice of transportation. They discovered that the perception of distance by either parents or students is the most important determinant of whether or not a student commutes actively to school. They concluded that a distance under 2.5 miles is a reasonable one for active commuting.

With childhood and adolescent obesity on the rise worldwide, health issues that include diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension, are becoming more common in adolescents. Previous research has established an inverse relationship between risk for such disorders and lack of exercise among adolescents. In other words, less exercise means greater risk. Walking or riding a bike to school is one logical way to include exercise on a regular basis, and kids who commute actively get more regular exercise. In Ireland 30% of adolescent children say they walk or ride a bike to school, and in the U.S., 31% who live within one mile walk to school, and 2% who live within two miles ride a bike.

The goal of the study was to establish a reasonable commuting distance, in order to promote active commuting. A total of 4013 Irish teens, ages 15 to 17, answered questions about their commute to school, including the distance they travel, their mode of transportation, and the population of the area where they live. A subset of participants drew a detailed street map of their route to school.

Results of the survey showed that one third of participants are active commuters. Boys are more likely than girls to be active commuters, especially as distance increases. The number of active commuters decreased as the distance from school increased, and one additional mile decreased active commuting by 71%. Kids living in cities or suburban areas are more likely to practice active commuting than those in less-populated areas. The majority of walkers live within 1.5 miles of school, and bike riders within 2.5 miles. Distance and the extra time required for a longer commute were given as the two most important reasons for not commuting actively to school.

The authors concluded that the perception of distance is an important barrier to active commuting, and the principle determinant of the mode of transportation a student uses to get to school. They also concluded that 2.5 miles or less is reasonable for walking or bike riding. If the distance to school is greater than 2.5 miles, then school is likely to be considered too far away for active commuting. The authors stress the need for more research. Expanding the perception of distance could make it less of an obstacle. Walking or riding a bike to school or work is a great way to get regular exercise into your daily routine. It makes sense for both kids and adults, especially when you don't live too far away.

Reference

Nelson, N., Foley, E., O'Gorman, D., Niall, M., Woods, C.

Active commuting to school: How far is too far?

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity