Determinants of car travel on daily journeys to school: cross sectional survey of primary school children

Abstract

The survey was conducted in the inner London boroughs of Camden and Islington. The questionnaire—based partly on published surveys 4 5 and prepared in English, Bengali, Turkish, Greek, and Cantonese (first languages of 85% of eligible pupils)—asked about that day's school journey, children's independent travel, and parental concerns. From the sampling frame of all primary schools (excluding pilot, boarding, and special schools), 31 of the 100 eligible schools were randomly selected. We weighted sampling probability by combined class sizes in year 2 (ages 6-7 years) and year 5 (ages 9-10). Questionnaires, with a letter from the head teacher and a multilingual request form for translation, were distributed to pupils for completion at home. Questionnaires were left for absentees. One week later, we collected completed questionnaires, gave new questionnaires to non-respondents, and distributed requested translations. All pupils were given pencil cases.