A Multimethod Study of Patterns and Motivations of Greenway-Based Physical Activity

Abstract

ABSTRACT Greenways are built environment facilities that show promise for recreational and transportation-related physical activity (PA). Combining objective direct observation methodology and individual intercept surveys, this study examined 1) differences in the mode of PA across three urban greenways, 2) associations between mode of PA and demographic characteristics across three urban greenways, and 3) variations in greenway user motivation and features by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and education level. The System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities was used to measure the frequency and PA mode and user demographic characteristics in Charleston, South Carolina (N = 3681). Concurrently, brief intercept surveys captured more in-depth information on greenway use, motivations, and importance of greenway features (n = 148). Logistic regression was used to examine demographic differences in PA mode across greenways. Linear regression was used to examine demographic differences in motivations and features for greenway use. A majority of greenway users were adults (84.3%), male (54.3%), and White (82.2%). Significantly higher biking levels compared with walking/running were observed in two of the three greenways. Males were more likely than females to bike than walk/run (odds ratio = 4.01, 95% confidence interval = 3.39–4.74). Racial/ethnic minority greenway users were significantly less likely to bike than walk/run (odds ratio = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = 0.33–0.52). Females rated “safety and security” and “natural scenery” higher than males, whereas racial/ethnic minority greenway users rated “getting to and from place” higher than White greenway users. This study provides important insight into variations in greenway-based PA and motivations for using these community features. Results suggest significant differences in types of activities and motivations by gender and race/ethnicity, which is critical information for current maintenance of greenways as well as potential improvements to better attract and appeal to diverse populations.