Active transportation to school in three New York city low-income neighborhoods: Exploring individual, family, school and neighborhood associated factors

Background: In New York City (NYC), while obesity prevalence among children in grades K- 8 is decreasing overall, childhood obesity rates continue to be higher in low-income neighborhoods. Physical activity is associated with a reduced risk for obesity and active transportation – walking and biking to school – is associated with higher overall physical activity levels. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the frequencies of school transportation modes used by 6th grade students in three low-income NYC neighborhoods and to identify individual, family, neighborhood and school factors associated with active school transportation. Significance: National rates of walking and biking to school have decreased in recent decades. Limited knowledge exists of the frequency of and factors associated with active school transportation in NYC. Methodology: Fifteen schools in low-income neighborhoods were enrolled. Data were collected from: student surveys (n=1005); parent focus groups (7 groups); school principal surveys (n=15) and built environment assessments (n=15). Findings: Data analysis is ongoing. Of students surveyed, 61% usually get to school by active transportation and even more (76%) would like to walk or bike to school. Active transportation is associated with school proximity, perceived safety, and parental encouragement (p<0.001). None of the 15 school principals reported existing policies for walking to school, two reported activities that encouraged walking or biking, and one reported that the school had a bike rack. Conclusions: Increasing levels of active school transportation in low-income urban neighborhoods will require policy initiatives, as well as, interagency and community collaboration.