Current cycling, bicycle path use, and willingness to cycle more-findings from a community survey of cycling in southwest sydney, australia.
BACKGROUND
Encouraging cycling could increase levels of physical activity and health in the community. A population survey of cycling and physical activity was conducted as part of the baseline evaluation of a new intervention research project (Cycling Connecting Communities).


METHODS
A telephone survey of adults (18+) living within 2 kilometers of selected major new bicycle paths in 3 local government areas in south western Sydney, Australia was conducted using a 2-stage sampling method. Multiple logistic regression analyses examined factors associated with riding in the last year, wanting to cycle more, and use of local bicycle paths.


RESULTS
With a 65% response rate, 1450 interviews were completed. Having ridden a bicycle in the past year was associated with younger age, being male, having access to a bicycle, and living close to destinations of interest. Two thirds of respondents (65%) wanted to ride more than they currently did. Factors associated with wanting to ride more were having children aged between 5-18 years, having used local bicycle paths, and perceptions of ease of cycling.


CONCLUSIONS
The study found that there is a latent desire for more cycling among respondents, prompted to some extent by having children of an age (5-18 years) that like cycling, and having a reasonable opportunity to cycle due to local bicycle paths. Being relatively close to destinations of interest increases the likelihood of recent cycling.
Rissel
Chris
C
School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
Merom
Dafna
D
Bauman
Adrian
A
Garrard
Jan
J
Wen
Li Ming
LM
New
Carolyn
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D001642:Bicycling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D040241:Social Marketing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult