Citation

Collins PA, Mayer D. J. Phys. Act. Health 2013; 12(6 Suppl 1): S76-83.

Affiliation

School of Urban and Regional Planning, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23963692

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Individuals that engage in active transportation (AT) have healthier weights and fitness levels. Most AT research has focused on work- or school-based destinations. Meanwhile, little is known about the differences between individuals that engage in the most common forms of AT - walking and cycling - and how these AT patterns vary by destination, duration, and season.

METHODS: We recruited 1400 randomly sampled adults (350 per season) in Kingston, Ontario, Canada to complete a cross-sectional telephone survey. The survey captured the prevalence, destinations, and duration of AT, and we examined the observed differences by mode.

RESULTS: The majority (72%) of respondents were AT-users; walking constituted 93% of overall mode share. Cyclists were more likely to be male, younger, and employed than walkers. Walkers tended to access neighbourhood-based destinations, while cyclists were more likely to use AT to get to work. AT duration was comparable by mode, ranging from approximately 8-20 minutes. Overall rates of AT were lowest in the winter, but walking rates were reasonably high year-round.

CONCLUSIONS: Beyond commuting to work and school, policy-makers and planners should consider the breadth of destinations accessed by different modes when aiming to increase physical activity through AT in their communities.

Language: en