By your own two feet: factors associated with active transportation in Canada.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to examine socio-demographic, geographic and physical activity correlates of walking and cycling for non-leisure purposes, i.e., to work, school, or errands, in Canada.


METHODS
Cross-sectional data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2003 (n = 127,610) were analyzed using logistic regression to identify factors associated with active transportation. The dependent variables were walking 6+ hours per week and any cycling per week. Independent variables were based on age; marital, education, working and immigrant status; income; geographic location; smoking; and other physical activity.


RESULTS
Age and income were associated with both walking and cycling, as was geographic location and other physical activity. The results demonstrated that, while similar, walking and cycling are associated with different factors, and that socio-demographic, geographic and health behaviour variables must be taken into consideration when modelling these transportation modes.


CONCLUSIONS
Although walking and cycling are relatively easy means to incorporate physical activity in daily life, these results suggest that it is the young and the physically active who engage in them. This research points to a need to address barriers among those who could benefit the most from increased use of both modes of travel.
Butler
Gregory P
GP
Centre for Health Promotion, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON.
Orpana
Heather M
HM
Wiens
Alexander J
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001642:Bicycling; D002170:Canada; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005843:Geography; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D012923:Social Class; D016138:Walking