Network

The purpose of this research report is to understand the key principles underpinning safe active travel to school, and how Austroads and its member organisations can support it. It explores existing industry approaches to school travel and their impact on public and climate health, road safety, network operations and community wellbeing.

The methodology includes reviewing literature, particularly global, national, state and local influences. Each document has been analysed to identify principles and recommended actions, and their alignment with key principles, including: child, adolescent and community health; road safety; community wellbeing and amenity; network outcomes; environmental sustainability; and cost savings.

The literature review identifies the benefits of active school travel, including enhanced public health, improved road safety, and positive network outcomes. It also highlights issues and challenges regarding active school travel, such as sedentary lifestyles, car dependence, and caregivers’ concerns about safe walking and riding environments. A key theme is the necessity for a tailored combination of behaviour change initiatives and infrastructure improvements to effectively support active travel.

The Guideline and the complementary report

This report supports the Austroads Travel to School Guideline (AP-G111-26), which provides evidence-based guidelines for Austroads member agencies and partner organisations to support the planning and delivery of safe and active travel to school.

This report is also complementary to the Austroads’ research report Travel to School: Best Practice and Consultation Findings (AP-R751-26).

Webinar

Watch a recording of the webinar to learn more.