title: Differences in adolescents' physical activity from school-travel between urban and suburban neighbourhoods in Metro Vancouver, Canada.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate differences in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from school-travel between adolescents in urban and suburban neighbourhoods and to describe its relative contribution to MVPA on school days.
  
  
  METHODS
  We measured 243 adolescents (51% male, grades 8-10) from Vancouver's walkable downtown core and its largely car-dependent suburb Surrey (fall 2011, 2013). We estimated mean school-travel MVPA from accelerometry (hour before/after school on ≥ 2 days; n = 110, 39% male) and compared school-travel MVPA by neighbourhood type and school-travel mode. The influence of mean school-travel MVPA on mean school-day MVPA (≥ 600 min valid wear time on ≥ 2 days) was examined by linear regression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over half of students used active modes (urban: 63%, suburban: 53%). Those using active travel and living in the urban neighbourhood obtained the most school-travel MVPA (22.3 ± 8.0 min). Urban passive travellers used public transit and obtained more school-travel MVPA than suburban students (16.9 ± 6.2 vs. 8.0 ± 5.3, p < 0.001), who were primarily driven. Regardless of mode or neighbourhood type, over one-third of school-day MVPA was explained by school-travel MVPA (R (2) = 0.38, p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Urban dwelling may facilitate greater school-travel MVPA in adolescents. School-travel MVPA is an important contributor to adolescents' school-day MVPA. Where feasible, physically active options for school-travel should be promoted, including public transit.
authors: Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, 7/F-2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1 M9, Canada.
authors: Amanda
authors: A
authors: Frazer
authors: Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, 7/F-2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1 M9, Canada; Department of Orthopaedics, University of British Columbia, 3114-910 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1 M9, Canada.
authors: Christine
authors: C
authors: Voss
authors: Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, 7/F-2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1 M9, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
authors: Meghan
authors: M
authors: Winters
authors: School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
authors: Patti-Jean
authors: PJ
authors: Naylor
authors: School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
authors: Joan Wharf
authors: JW
authors: Higgins
authors: Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, 7/F-2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1 M9, Canada; Department of Orthopaedics, University of British Columbia, 3114-910 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1 M9, Canada.
authors: Heather
authors: H
authors: McKay
keywords: Adolescent; Environmental design; Health promotion; Physical activity; Transportation; Youth