Are Active Schools Associated With Active Commuting? Examining the Prevalence and Determinants in Young People

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of active commuting to school among children and adolescents in the Valencian Community (Spain) and to examine potential differences according to sociodemographic, institutional, and behavioral variables.

A total of 2232 students (8-18 y; 52.2% girls) from 20 schools participated. Sociodemographic (gender, educational stage, socioeconomic status), environmental (type of school: Active vs Non-Active), and behavioral (physical activity levels) variables were assessed using validated self-report instruments. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted using Rao-Scott-adjusted chi-square tests for complex samples, and associations between commuting modes and study variables were subsequently examined using cluster-adjusted generalized estimating equations.

Overall, 69% of students actively commuted to and from school. Significant differences were observed by gender and socioeconomic status, whereas no differences were found by educational stage, school type, or physical activity level. When commuting modes were examined, walking was the predominant behavior while cycling was rare (1.3%). Boys and students from lower-income households were more likely to walk, and boys were also more likely than girls to cycle.

The study reveals that most students engage in active commuting to school, mainly by walking, although significant disparities persist according to sociodemographic variables. These findings highlight the need for future research to explore the specific barriers and facilitators of active commuting to school in young people, particularly among girls. They also support the implementation and systematic evaluation of school-based strategies designed to reduce these disparities and promote active, healthy, and sustainable mobility within the school.