Effective factors in walking mode choice of different age groups for school trips

Due to an increase in motorized trips and a decline in individuals' physical activity, studying factors that increase active transportation modes in school trips have captured significant attention in recent years. However, research on walking mode choice behavior across different age groups remains limited. The main objective in this study was to understand reasons behind differences in choosing walking as a mode of transportation in trips to school across different age groups and inside the urban areas of Rasht. Three separate behavioral choice models were developed for elementary, middle and high school students in trips to school using a range of explanatory variables including individual; household; travel; and environmental variables. Results show that the effect of different factors on walking behaviors in trips to school is different across age and gender groups. For example girls are less motivated to walk relative to boys in all age groups. Results show that regardless of age, individual who has a car in his/her household is less motivates to walk to school. Time of day only motivates elementary and middle aged students' to choose walking for transportation. Another significant factor is the travel distance which diversely affects walking in all models. More explanations for differences between age groups in choosing walking in trips to school are discussed in the article; and some issues are suggested for future research. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Peer-review under responsibility of WORLD CONFERENCE ON TRANSPORT RESEARCH SOCIETY.