This report presents results from the second ACT Year 6 Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey conducted in 2009 as well as describing trends since the first survey in 2006. In 2009 fewer children walked or cycled to and from school and time spent on sedentary activities (e.g. computer games, internet and television viewing) increased, particularly for boys. The report is by the ACT Government, Health Directorate and was released in November 2011.

Active transport is an ideal way of increasing incidental physical activity and involves modes of travel such as walking and riding a bicycle. Children were asked what mode of transport they used to and from school in a typical week and how often they used each mode of transport.
24.3% of children reported either walking or riding their bicycle to school every day, with more boys (26.6%) reporting this than girls (22.3%). Just under half (45.7%) of all children reported either walking or cycling to school at least once a week, with more boys (48.8%) than girls (43.2%) reporting travelling this way.
27.5% of children reported either walking or riding their bicycle home from school every day, with more boys (29.9%) reporting this than girls (25.2%). Almost half (47.9%) of all children reported either walking or cycling home from school at least once a week, with more boys (50.9%) than girls (44.9%) reporting travelling this way.
Children reported walking or riding their bike to school an average of 1.7 days a week, with boys travelling to school this way an average of 1.9 days a week, while girls an average of 1.6 days aweek. The average number of days a week that children walked or rode their bike home from school was 1.9 for all children (2.0 for boys, and 1.8 for girls).