School sustainability norms and adolescents’ active transportation as a form of physical activity: a mediation analysis

Introduction: Active transportation is an important component of sustainable development, contributing to climate change mitigation and promoting physical activity and health. Schools play a key role in fostering sustainable behaviors by creating environments that support active transportation. Objective: This study aimed to examine the direct and indirect relationships between school sustainability norms and students’ attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intention, and active transportation behavior. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1005 students aged 15–19 years. Psychosocial variables were assessed using the Theory of Planned Behavior framework, and active transportation was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Linear regression and mediation analyses were performed. Results: The results showed that school sustainability norms were significantly associated with subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Intention to use active transportation was predicted by subjective norms and perceived behavioral control and was significantly associated with active transportation behavior. Mediation analysis confirmed that school sustainability norms indirectly influenced intention through subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Discussion: These findings suggest that school sustainability norms play an important role in promoting active transportation indirectly by strengthening psychosocial determinants. Conclusions: Schools implementing sustainable development principles and providing supportive infrastructure may encourage active transportation among students.