what shapes parental concerns? exploring the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on school travel behavior of elementary school students (case study: rural roads of gilan province)

This study examines the travel behavior of elementary school children in rural and suburban areas, focusing on the influence of parental concerns regarding traffic safety, the social environment, and the covid-19 pandemic. data were collected through surveys completed by 582 families with children attending elementary schools located near highways in gilan province, iran. using structural equation modeling (sem), the study analyzes how these factors influenced travel mode choices both before and after the pandemic. the findings reveal that heightened concerns about traffic safety and social security significantly shaped travel decisions. key results indicate that parental concerns about traffic safety, such as the availability of safe road crossings and adequate sidewalks, are primary determinants of travel mode selection, often resulting in increased reliance on private vehicles. additionally, the covid-19 outbreak exacerbated these concerns, introducing fears of virus transmission that drastically reduced public transportation usage while promoting private vehicle reliance and remote learning. the study also demonstrates that parents’ perceptions of children’s travel skills significantly impact travel choices, with safety concerns playing a crucial role. policy recommendations include strengthening safety infrastructure, implementing traffic-calming measures, and enhancing community engagement to address social safety concerns. this research provides valuable insights into the factors influencing children’s travel behavior in rural and suburban contexts, offering a foundation for targeted interventions.