Effect of low-cost incentives on active transportation to school rates among elementary school students

Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an active transportation to school (ATS) program for elementary school students. Methods: The study used a quasi-experimental design with a natural control group. The participants were students at two elementary schools. Students at the intervention school were exposed to a school-based program with incentives for students who used active transportation. The intervention included a Walking School Bus program and required helmet use for students on bicycles to participate. Students received small prizes as incentives, as well as personalized paper footprints which were posted in public areas in the school. Transportation mode was assessed by observation at the control (N=697) and intervention schools (N=693). Post-intervention frequency counts were compared to pre-intervention counts with the χ2 test for goodness-of-fit. Results: A significant increase in ATS was observed at the intervention school, both on intervention days (p<.001) and non-intervention days (p=.02). Helmet use among cyclers increased significantly on intervention days (p<.001), but not on other weekdays. Conclusion: A program using low-cost incentives and encouragement to support active transportation significantly increased rates of ATS at the intervention school. The program also had a significant effect on helmet use.