Free-to-use cycle provision schemes have potential to encourage cycling and reduce inequalities

Abstract

IntroductionCycling is an accessible, cheap way of incorporating health-promoting physical activity into everyday routines. One approach to facilitate engagement is to provide cycles through population-level approaches, such as commercial bike share schemes. However, these may increase health inequalities. An alternative is delivering cycle provision through not-for-profit and targeted schemes. However, there is a lack of peer-reviewed evidence on what comprises successful design and implementation. MethodsAn evaluation of two not-for-profit cycle provision schemes in Norfolk, England, is conducted: The Cycle Loan Scheme (CLS) aimed at the general population, and Welcome Wheels (WW) for refugees/asylum seekers. Quantitative measures assess the extent to which the schemes recruited and engaged groups of need (non-cyclists, women, over 55 years-of-age, living in deprived areas, not White British). Baseline and follow-up surveys established cycling frequency (absolute and change), and motivators, benefits, and barriers to taking part. Responses were compared across groups of need. ResultsAt baseline, 87% of the 613 CLS participants were from a group of need, whilst 100% of WW participants (n = 214) were. At follow-up, CLS participants (n = 413) reported cycling a median of 5.5 h a week (15 reported zero hours), an increase of 3.5 h from baseline. Non-cyclists were less likely to engage than cyclists. WW participants (n = 65) cycled a median five days per week at follow-up (all reported some cycling), an increase for 92%. Females were less likely to engage than males; all non-cyclists increased their cycling compared to 44% existing cyclists. Benefits of and barriers to engagement varied according to group of need. ConclusionsCycle provision schemes have potential to reduce health inequalities by encouraging cycling, particularly when tailored to need and local context, and when interventions are delivered by non-profit, community embedded organisations. ApplicationA novel intervention framework is proposed to guide targeted interventions.