Abstract
Background: An established relationship exists between public transportation (PT) use and physical activity. However, there is limited literature that examines the link between PT use and active commuting (AC) behavior. This study examines this link to determine if PT users commute more by active modes. Methods: A volunteer, convenience sample of adults (n = 748) completed an online survey about AC/PT patterns, demographic, psychosocial, community and environmental factors. t-test compared differences between PT riders and non-PT riders. Binary logistic regression analyses examined the effect of multiple factors on AC and a full logistic regression model was conducted to examine AC. Results: Non-PT riders (n = 596) reported less AC than PT riders. There were several significant relationships with AC for demographic, interpersonal, worksite, community and environmental factors when considering PT use. The logistic multivariate analysis for included age, number of children and perceived distance to work as negative predictors and PT use, feelings of bad weather and lack of on-street bike lanes as a barrier to AC, perceived behavioral control and spouse AC were positive predictors. Conclusions: This study revealed the complex relationship between AC and PT use. Further research should investigate how AC and public transit use are related.
Highlights
Participation in regular physical activity has been associated with a number of benefits including a reduction in morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, certain cancers, and mental health disorders [1]
This was significantly different than public transit riders who reported driving to work 2.71 ± 3.54 times/week (t = 18.28, p < 0.001) and actively commuting 4.26 ± 4.55 times/week (t = 8.16, p < 0.001)
This study helps to reveal a connection between public transportation use and active commuting to work
Summary
Participation in regular physical activity has been associated with a number of benefits including a reduction in morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, certain cancers, and mental health disorders [1]. Data from the Omnibus Household Survey indicate that the majority of commuters in the US (about 86%) use a personal vehicle to travel to and from work, while only a very small portion of the population either walked or biked to work (3%) [22]. Another travel mode of interest is mass transit (i.e., public transportation—PT), which seems to be on the rise recently, potentially due to number of factors: increased fuel costs, congestion and urbanization in the United States, improved service, changing values. The results of this study will reveal insights into potential strategies or policies that might help to increase active commuting among individuals
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