Evaluation of indices of obesity in men: descriptive study.

Distance to school and car ownership were principal determinants of car travel. After adjustment for these factors, children at independent schools were still more likely to travel by car. Parental fear about “stranger danger” also influenced the decision to drive children to school. Although few translated questionnaires were requested, the study population adequately represented the ethnic distribution of children attending school in the two boroughs. Our results might appropriately be generalisable to other urban primary school populations. Increasing emphasis on school choice has been accompanied by a 20% increase in average distance travelled to school. Policies that encourage children to attend nearby schools are likely to reduce car travel and increase walking. Parents who currently drive their children might forgo the car for safe, convenient alternatives that address their fears. Unless such alternatives are developed, parents who do not currently drive to school are likely to do so when the option becomes available.