Gender differences in active commuting to school in sprawled cities

Abstract: In recent years, a higher increase in children commuting to schools by motorized modes can be observed, while there is a major decline in active commuting to school (i.e., walking and biking). Dependency on the automobile for commuting to school has many negative impacts while active commuting to school promotes physical activity levels and helps prevent childhood obesity; It also can alleviate traffic congestion, pollution, and noise levels. However, less attention has been paid in practice to gender differences in school commuting. This study explored gender differences in active communication to school based on the impact of factors such as students' socioeconomic characteristics, residential location, and built environment characteristics in Najran City, Saudi Arabia. The results showed that males actively commute to school more than girls; More than half of students (both genders) live more than 1 kilometer from school. Distance to school, major roads between home and school, and automobile ownership were inversely correlated with active commuting to school for both genders. Hilly streets and the existence of a valley near the school were negatively associated with boys walking to school. Regarding girls, the presence of industrial uses near school decreased the probability of walking to school while the presence of commercial uses increased the probability of walking to school. Policy interventions can address gender differences and increase walking to school by providing more schools in some districts, creating pedestrian-friendly streets, and enforcing educational and promotional programs.