At 09:34 AM 12/10/1999 -0000, you wrote:
> I am interested in finding out about in any work that has been done (or
>is being done) to model modal choice for the school journey. I would be
>grateful for any relevant information. Thank you Ruth Bradshaw Research
>Fellow Transport Studies Group University of Westminster 35 Marylebone Road
>London NW1 5LS Tel: 0207 911 5834 Fax: 0207 911 5834 Email:
>[log in to unmask]
The following is from a "Non-Motorized Planning Guide" that our institue is
currently writing. It should be completed and posted at our website in
another month or so.
School Trip Management
School trips are often made by walking and cycling, and so deserve special
attention in non-motorized transportation planning. But this can only occur
if school sites are selected and designed for pedestrian access. A study in
South Carolina found that the portion of students walking to school is far
higher in older (pre-1970) schools than in schools that were built recently
because the newer schools tend to be located at the urban fringe (Waiting
for the Bus: How Lowcountry School Site Selection and Design Deter Walking
to School, Southern Carolina Coastal Conservation League, 1999. An access
plan should be developed for every major educational facility, from grade
schools to universities, which addresses barriers and problems to
non-motorized travel.
In recent years, an increasing portion of school trips have been made by
automobile. This creates a number of problems, including traffic
congestion, parking and neighborhood disruption problems around schools,
reduced exercise for children, and environmental impacts. The resulting
vehicle congestion and increased accident risk further degrades conditions
for non-motorized modes, encouraging even more driving. Some schools now
encourage the use of "active" (i.e., walking and cycling) modes in order to:
· Increase physical activity and exercise.
· Encourage healthier lifestyle habits.
· Reduce congestion and parking problems around schools.
· Create safer and calmer streets and neighborhoods.
· Protect the environment.
School Trip Management Resources
"Active and Safe Routes to School" (http://www.goforgreen.ca) is a
Canada-wide program to encourage the use of active modes of transportation
to and from school.
Ministry of Transportation and Highways, Safe Crossings: Guidelines for
School Crossing Programs, Road Safety Program, ICBC (Vancouver;
http://www.icbc.com), 1998.
Joseph P. Savage, et al., A Guidebook for Student Pedestrian Safety,
Washington State Department of Transportation (Olympia;
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ta/t2/t2pubs.htm) 1996.
SUSTRANS Safe Routes to School Project (http://www.sustrans.co.uk/srts) is
a demonstration project in the United Kingdom to show how children can be
encouraged to cycle and walk to school.
Way To Go! School Program, "small steps towards a big difference,"
(Vancouver; 1-877-325-3636; http://www.waytogo.icbc.bc.ca) provides
resources and support for school traffic reduction programs, including a
variety of safety education strategies and materials.
Sincerely,
Todd Litman, Director
Victoria Transport Policy Institute
"Efficiency - Equity - Clarity"
1250 Rudlin Street
Victoria, BC, V8V 3R7, Canada
Phone & Fax: 250-360-1560
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Website: http://www.vtpi.org
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