An evaluation of distance estimation accuracy and its relationship to transport mode for the home-to-school journey by adolescents

Walking is a feasible activity through which individuals can increase their minutes of physical activity. School proximity to residential homes is an important determinant of active commuting. This study tested the accuracy of participant׳s perceived distance in comparison to actual distance travelled to school, by mode of commuting, active or passive. Adolescents completed a questionnaire reporting mode and estimating distance and time taken for their usual trip to school. Subsequently, each participant drew the actual route travelled on a detailed street level map. Only those who lived within a criterion home-to-school distance (2.4 km; N=199, mean age 15.9±0.56, range 15-17 years) were included in the analysis. Passive commuters erroneously thought they travelled significantly further to school than their active peers, no differences were found. Active commuters were accurate in their perception of distance travelled. For passive commuters, the average actual distance (1350 m) travelled to school was significantly shorter than their perception of this distance (2700 m; U=2016.500, p<0.001). Distance is an important perceived barrier to active commuting and a predictor of mode choice among adolescents. Interventions where accurate estimation of distance is taught could ameliorate this barrier and promote active transport choices.