Social networks and active school transportation: Understanding how parents’ connections shape commuting decisions for their children

Introduction Parental social networks influence decisions parents make for their children and active school transportation (AST) is a significant and underutilized source of physical activity (PA), however, it is unclear how networks influence AST decisions. The purpose of this study was to investigate 1) how social network characteristics interact with environmental and demographic AST factors and 2) the influence of parental networks on AST decisions. Methods Data were gathered emailing Midwest elementary school children's parents (N = 531) a survey based on the interpersonal level of the social-ecological model, social capital, and diffusion of innovations theories including parental social networks, AST barrier perceptions, and AST decisions for their child(ren). A multi-method analytical approach included descriptive statistics, hierarchical linear regression analyses, and a zero-inflated binomial regression model using SPSS. Results Parents (n = 150, 28% response) who allow AST (8.7%) demonstrated higher advice-seeking frequency (OR = 3.21, p = .028) and larger network sizes (OR = 5.40, p = .009), controlling for environmental factors. While distance remains the strongest predictor of AST (OR = 0.04, p < .001), the zero-inflated binomial regression model suggests parental network factors might explain significant variance in AST decisions (Nagelkerke R 2 = 0.69). Partially mediated by network characteristics, parents who do not allow AST report higher perceived total AST barriers (M = 47.14, SD = 7.17) compared to those who do (M = 41.38, SD = 9.21). Conclusions Parental social networks seem to play a role in shaping perceptions of AST barriers and decisions. Future AST interventions might be more effective considering parents' social connections and information-sharing patterns.