Does the value-belief-norm theory predict acceptance of disincentives to driving and active mode choice preferences for children's school travels among Chinese parents?

•The VBN theory was tested in relation to transport cognitions among Chinese parents.•The VBN did not predict acceptance of driving disincentives and mode preferences.•The VBN needs further testing in relation to transport cognitions in China.

The present study examined the extent to which the value-belief-norm (VBN) theory predicts acceptance of disincentives to driving among Chinese parents and parental active transport mode use preferences (i.e. walking and bicycling) for their children's school travels above and beyond demographics, transport availability and walking evaluations. In total, 250 questionnaires were distributed among parents of 7-9 years old pupils attending two schools in Nanjing with a response rate of 90% (n = 224). Structural Equation Modeling showed that the tested model had poor fit and explained an unsatisfactory proportion of the variance in the two outcomes. Car ownership was associated with a reduced acceptance of driving disincentives. Favorable walking evaluations and a long walking time to school were associated with a higher and reduced probability of active mode preferences, respectively. Additional factors beyond the VBN should be identified when predicting transportation mode preferences among Chinese parents.