CHILL findings indicate children were more likely to switch to walking and cycling to school in ULEZ

5 September 2024

Article	Source
Walking, cycling to school more likely in Ulez - report	BBC News online
More children walk or cycle to school in central London since Ulez introduced, study suggests	Evening Standard
Children in Ulez almost four times as likely to cycle or walk to school – study	PA News Agency (Somerset county gazette)
ULEZ London: Thousands more kids "walk or cycle to school" following capital's ULEZ introduction	London World
ULEZ Boosts Kids Walking, Cycling to School: Study	Mirage News
Children in Ulez almost four times as likely to cycle or walk to school – study	Express & Star
The positive impact of ULEZ on children's health and environment	News Medical
Children switch to walking and cycling to school after introduction of London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone	myScience
London’s ULEZ increased active travel journeys to school	Air Quality News
Thousands more kids walk or cycle to school following London ULEZ introduction	Teddington Nub news

Summary

The Children's Health in London and Luton (CHILL) study explored the effects of London's Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on children's travel habits to school over a year. The study involved children aged 6-9 from 84 primary schools in both London (within the ULEZ) and Luton (outside the ULEZ). Researchers compared the travel modes—whether children walked, cycled, or used inactive modes like cars—at the study's start and after one year.

The findings revealed that children in London were significantly more likely to switch from inactive to active travel modes (such as walking or cycling) compared to those in Luton.

Specifically, 42% of London children shifted to active travel, compared to only 20% in Luton. Conversely, fewer London children switched from active to inactive modes than in Luton. The study also noted that children who lived further from school were more likely to adopt active travel when exposed to the ULEZ. This was probably because many children living closer to school already walked or cycled, leaving more potential for change among those living further away.

Overall, the study suggests that the ULEZ has a positive impact on encouraging active travel to school, particularly for children who live further away.

This indicates that clean air zones can play a crucial role in promoting healthier, more sustainable travel habits among children.

Read more from the report's lead author, Dr. Christina Xiao, in the BBC article and the full report online.