Abstract
ObjectiveTo 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. Methods655 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. ResultsMean within-participant changes in commuting were relatively small (walking: +3.0min/week, s.d.=66.7; cycling: −5.3min/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. ConclusionsImproving the convenience of walking, cycling and public transport and limiting the availability of workplace car parking may promote uptake and maintenance of active commuting.
Highlights
Everyday physical activity is important for health (Das and Horton, 2012)
Active commuting is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality (Hamer and Chida, 2008), and cross-sectional studies have shown that those who walk or cycle to work – either alone, or in combination with the car – or who commute by public transport are more physically active than those who use only the car (Pratt et al, 2012)
There were no significant differences in gender, educational qualifications, weight status, car ownership or time spent walking or cycling at baseline
Summary
Active commuting (walking and cycling to work) is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality (Hamer and Chida, 2008), and cross-sectional studies have shown that those who walk or cycle to work – either alone, or in combination with the car – or who commute by public transport are more physically active than those who use only the car (Pratt et al, 2012). Promoting a shift away from car use in general, and towards walking and cycling for transport in particular, has potential as a public health strategy and merits further research (Das and Horton, 2012) — not least because systematic reviews of interventions have found limited evidence of effectiveness (McCormack and Shiell, 2011; Ogilvie et al, 2004, 2007; Yang et al, 2010). Using data from the Commuting and Health in Cambridge study, we aimed to describe changes in walking and cycling to and from work in a cohort of commuters and assess the predictors of uptake and maintenance of walking, cycling and use of alternatives to the car for commuting
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