Objective. To assess the prevalence and socio demographic correlates of walking and cycling to school in a nationwide representative cross sectional sample of German adolescents.Methods. A sample of 1828 German adolescents aged 11 17 years were examined between 2003 and 2006. Mode of commuting to school was assessed using a reliable self report measure. Socioeconomic status, migration background and residential area were assessed as socio demographic variables using a parent report question naire.Results. Overall, 19.4% of adolescents walked and 22.2% cycled to school. Compared to girls with high socio economic status, girls with low socioeconomic status were more likely to walk (OR =1.89, 95% CI=1. Conclusions. In Germany many adolescents use motorised transportation. Socio demographic variables were associated with mode of commuting.

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