The Evolution of School Siting and Its Implications for Active Transportation in New Jersey

Abstract

The study examines historical changes in size and location of schools in New Jersey and their relevance to children’s walking and bicycling to school. It compares the characteristics of schools, students, and surrounding areas of schools established in different decades to identify the critical issues that affect active transportation to school in the state. The study shows that schools in the state have become larger and they are increasingly being located on state and county roads instead of local roads. Pedestrian safety for children seems to be a greater concern in the state than distance to school.

Keywords:

• active transportation
• bicycling
• school location
• school siting
• school transportation
• walking

Acknowledgments

Kristen Snuck and Trish Sanchez assisted this research by collecting data on school establishment years. Richard Bartholomew assisted with GIS analysis. The authors are grateful to the reviewers for providing valuable information, insights, and suggestions.

Disclaimer

The contents of this paper reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Federal Highway Administration or the New Jersey Department of Transportation.