This paper attempts to analyze the activity patterns and resulting travel behaviors of children aged 0-17 who live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This paper includes analysis of activity patterns and time use, trip purposes, mode choice, trip time of day and the correlation between the travel patterns of children and other household members. By looking at trends across all ages, it is seen that children behave in a more independent fashion as they age. Older children participate in more out-of-home activities, spend longer traveling, and take a wider variety of travel modes. Additionally, they are seen to make more trips by themselves rather than with other household members. The central role of school travel is illuminated and investigated in further detail, including the location of so-called ?homework? activities and the role of parental chauffeuring in the home-to-school trip. Weekend behaviors are also analyzed, including the importance of leisure travel on weekends, and the strong tendency for children to travel with the family.
Abstract