School Travel Planning in Canada: A Holistic Examination of Program Impact on Active School Travel

School Travel Planning (STP) is an intervention designed to increase Active School Travel (AST) among elementary school children (i.e., age 6-14 years). With limited evidence on program effectiveness, the purpose of this dissertation was i) to determine if STP can increases AST levels in Canadian elementary schools and ii) to identify school contextual and program factors influencing STP implementation and AST change. These objectives were addressed through four distinct studies entailing varied methodological approaches. Studies 1 and 2 quantitatively examined predictors of AST change following one-year of implementation using a sample of 106 schools across Canada and different outcome measures. Study 3 qualitatively explored enablers and barriers to implementation among 34 pan-Canadian STP facilitators. Study 4 employed a multisite mixed-methods case study design to provide insight into the STP process and key factors influencing implementation and AST change in two downtown Toronto schools. Across studies, results revealed that STP can facilitate increases in AST after the first year of implementation, though the degree of change can vary according to contextual and program factors. Contextual factors found to influence implementation and mode change included the school's geographical location, distance from students' homes, socioeconomic status, and transportation policies. Program factors included the school-specific and systematic STP model, multidisciplinary stakeholder involvement, designated facilitator, range of AST strategies, and length of implementation time. Overall, STP can promote increases in AST following one year of implementation. This dissertation informs future practice by identifying key factors to consider when implementing STP. The broader program of research also identifies the necessity of stakeholder involvement in initiatives promoting AST to help address a range of socio-ecological factors. Future evaluations should examine the sustainability of STP intervention impact and assess its cost-effectiveness.Ph.D