Older Students - Statistics
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What are the current facts about teenagers and walking to school?
The most recent National Travel Survey found that only 41% of 11-16 year olds walk to school:
Distance to school
The average distance to school is 3.4 miles, with half of all secondary school pupils not attending their closest school. Even for students living close to school, walking is still currently not always the natural transport choice - 39% of journeys under 2 miles are not walked.
Boys vs Girls
Girls are more likely to be driven to school (in a bus or car) than boys (56% vs 51%). Girls are also far less likely to be cyclists (6% of boys cycle to school vs 1% of girls). This very low level of cycling suggests that walking may be a more attractive alternative to the car than cycling.
Independent Walking
The majority of parents (35%) accompany their children to school because they feel it is convenient. However, this can lead to a lack of independence in their later teens. Parents are also fearful for their childrens safety.
Respondents could give more than one reason
