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Built environment correlates of active school transportation: neighborhood and the modifiable areal unit problem

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  • Mitra, Raktim
  • Buliung, Ron N.

Abstract

Researchers, practitioners and community-based organizations have emphasized built environment interventions to encourage active school transportation, a practice that can contribute to the overall physical activity needs of children. This paper examines the potential influence of the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) on statistical modeling of the relationship between the built environment and walking/cycling to school. Binomial logistic regressions of school travel mode choice for children aged 11–12years, in the City of Toronto, Canada, were estimated, using six spatial units for measuring built environment characteristics. The results were suggestive of the presence of MAUP across different geographical units. Travel distance, block density, signalized intersections, walking density, and schools in low-income neighborhoods were associated with active travel. This research improves understanding of the sensitivity of school travel behavior analyses to the spatial representation of the neighborhood construct.

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  • Mitra, Raktim & Buliung, Ron N., 2012. "Built environment correlates of active school transportation: neighborhood and the modifiable areal unit problem," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 20(1), pages 51-61.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:20:y:2012:i:1:p:51-61
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2011.07.009
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