Patterns and predictors of changes in active commuting over 12 months.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the predictors of uptake and maintenance of walking and cycling, and of switching to the car as the usual mode of travel, for commuting.


METHODS
655 commuters in Cambridge, UK reported all commuting trips using a seven-day recall instrument in 2009 and 2010. Individual and household characteristics, psychological measures relating to car use and environmental conditions on the route to work were self-reported in 2009. Objective environmental characteristics were assessed using Geographical Information Systems. Associations between uptake and maintenance of commuting behaviours and potential predictors were modelled using multivariable logistic regression.


RESULTS
Mean within-participant changes in commuting were relatively small (walking: +3.0 min/week, s.d.=66.7; cycling: -5.3 min/week, s.d.=74.7). Self-reported and objectively-assessed convenience of public transport predicted uptake of walking and cycling respectively, while convenient cycle routes predicted uptake of cycling and a pleasant route predicted maintenance of walking. A lack of free workplace parking predicted uptake of walking and alternatives to the car. Less favourable attitudes towards car use predicted continued use of alternatives to the car.


CONCLUSIONS
Improving the convenience of walking, cycling and public transport and limiting the availability of workplace car parking may promote uptake and maintenance of active commuting.
Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit & UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, UK. Electronic address: jenna.panter@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk.
Jenna
J
Panter
Simon
S
Griffin
Alice M
AM
Dalton
David
D
Ogilvie
D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001642:Bicycling / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014186:Transportation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D016138:Walking / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
Adults; Behavioural change; Cycling; Environment design; Epidemiology; Follow-up studies; Health promotion; Longitudinal study; Physical activity and health; Walking