A qualitative evaluation of the implementation, outcomes, and sustainability of ‘School Streets’

Introduction: Increasing physical activity in children is a public health priority. Active travel for the journey to and from school may provide the best opportunity to address this. Modifications to the environment through ‘School Streets’ road closures may help, but they are not always successful. Previous research has suggested this may be due to limited understanding of the setting, the community, and the processes of change in such interventions. However, an in-depth exploration of the experiences of stakeholders is lacking.

Method: We conducted a qualitative process evaluation of two School Streets interventions in a town in England. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 20 stakeholders from the schools and local communities, and thematic analysis was undertaken. Three overarching themes were explored: implementation, outcomes, and sustainability.

Results: Findings suggest that the schemes were challenging to implement, trigger causal mechanisms, and change behaviour. This was due to practicalities of implementing and delivering a volunteer-run scheme, complexities of the geographical and local context, diverse needs and interests of stakeholders, and the influence of the wider transport and active travel system. Additional measures and alternatives were suggested.

Conclusions: Understanding and involving all stakeholders is necessary for a community-based solution to a public health issue. Changing active travel behaviour will require more than the closure of a street; wider systems change is needed.