This study investigates the school commuting behaviour of children at three elementary schools in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia. The intent of this research is to gain an understanding of the barriers to active commuting in these neighbourhoods and make design response recommendations that could be implemented by the District of North Vancouver and North Vancouver School District. The District of North Vancouver (DNV) and North Vancouver School District (NVSD) originally jointly conducted a school safety review and developed a Safe Routes to School plan for these three elementary schools. The purpose of this study was: • to identify transportation issues and opportunities around each school; • to develop recommendations to improve the safety and access to each school; and • to promote healthy and active modes of transportation to school such as walking and cycling. Following the DNV and NVSD study, the topic was used as the basis for a Master’s Degree Thesis, which used a mixed-method research approach that included the use of the survey data and site analysis. Distance was found to be the most significant barrier to active commuting for children at these schools. Other barriers found include traffic safety (intersections, speed and traffic volume), age of child, lack of adult supervision, before and after school activities and the condition of sidewalks. This study makes recommendations that are intended to help the District of North Vancouver and North Vancouver School District address the barriers to active commuting for the study area schools and prioritize sustainable transportation choices.
