Parental concerns and preferences about school travel are often identified as important factors, but many studies do not explore or quantify how this factor influences travel mode choice. This gap in the literature is noteworthy because parental attitudes may be at least as influential as urban form, especially perceptions about safety, social interaction, and convenience (McMillan, 2007). Common concerns include traffic, bullies, and strangers (DiGuiseppi et al, 1998; Hillman et al, 1990; Kerr et al, 2006; Martin and Carlson, 2005). Concerns about traffic may prevent up to 40% of children from walking or bicycling (Dellinger and Staunton, 2002). Parents have stated that a walking escort may increase their.
