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Evidence shows there is a clear link between active travel to school and children's physical activity levels. Active school travel (AST) in New Zealand has declined while car travel to school has increased. The aim of this research is to understand the factors related to travel mode to school from the perspectives of children, their parents and school representatives, through the evaluation of a shared path in Whangārei, New Zealand.

Active school travel (AST) is important for child and environmental health. In New Zealand, AST has declined over recent decades and is relatively low compared to many other countries. A plethora of evidence related to children's AST exists, yet a holistic and context-specific understanding of factors related to the behaviour remains elusive. The aim of this study is to triangulate data from children, their parents, school representatives, and objectively-assessed environmental features to generate a model that enables a comprehensive understanding of associates of AST in New Zealand children, how these variables interrelate with each other, and where change can occur.