Perceptions about the local neighborhood and walking and cycling among children

Background. This study examined associations between perceptions of the local neighborhood and walking and cycling among children. Methods. Children aged 5-6 years (n = 291) and 10-12 years (n = 919) were recruited from 19 Australian primary schools. Parents reported their child's usual walking or cycling to local destinations and their perceptions of their neighborhood. Ten- to twelve-year-olds were asked their perceptions of traffic, strangers, road safety and sporting venues, and their perceptions of their parent's views on these issues.