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How the Built Environment Moderates Gender Gap in Active Commuting to Schools

Author

Listed:
  • Masoud Javadpoor

    (School of Art and Architecture, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71946-84471, Iran)

  • Ali Soltani

    (School of Art and Architecture, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71946-84471, Iran
    UniSA Business, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia)

  • Leila Fatehnia

    (School of Art and Architecture, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71946-84471, Iran)

  • Negin Soltani

    (School of Civil Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71557-13876, Iran)

Abstract

This study investigates the influences of built environmental (BE) factors, network design, and sociodemographic factors on active school travel (AST). Although numerous studies have explored these relationships, this study is trying to assess this issue with a focus on gender differences. Data from a cross-sectional sample of children from first to sixth grades from 16 public primary schools exclusive for girls and boys ( N = 1260) in Shiraz collected in November 2019 was used. The analysis of the data revealed that, on average, boys are more willing to walk than girls, but that the boys’ tendency to walk is less elastic with respect to distance. Moreover, it is shown that street connectivity for all distance thresholds has a positive relationship with walking level, but the street network choice parameter decreases the chance of walking within an 800 metre threshold. It is demonstrated the need to take gender differences into account in local planning policies to promote AST in a developing country context.

Suggested Citation

  • Masoud Javadpoor & Ali Soltani & Leila Fatehnia & Negin Soltani, 2023. "How the Built Environment Moderates Gender Gap in Active Commuting to Schools," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:2:p:1131-:d:1029228
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    References listed on IDEAS

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