Physical Activity Patterns Along An Urban Trail: Site-specific Comparisons

Abstract

There is a growing body of evidence confirming that access to trails is effective in increasing physical activity among community residents, whether used for recreational physical activity or transport. However, there is a paucity of research addressing the demographic characteristics of urban trail users and the type of activity and site-specific trail use. PURPOSE: We sought to examine demographic factors and physical activity patterns among trail users at a central site and at a linear site on an urban trail using observational survey methods. METHODS: Trained student researchers were used to collect observational survey data on an urban trail with both central city and linear segments. Proportions were derived by type of activity, gender, age range, and race by trail site. Chi-Square analyses were performed and Odds Ratios were calculated in examining these relationships as well as trail use for transport versus recreation among trail users from the two sites. RESULTS: A total of 12,756 observational counts were recorded on this urban trail. The proportion of walkers observed on the central trail vs. linear trail were 66% and 33.5% respectively (OR=3.9; 95% CI 2.1, 6.9). When examining cycling, the proportion of bicyclists observed was 49% along the linear trail compared to 18.9% along the central trail (OR= 4.1; 95% CI 2.2, 7.8). Proportions were similar on both trail sites for age, with adults between 18-64 years the most prevalent age range represented. African-American and other non-whites represented only 10.5% of persons observed on either trail segment. Males were more likely than females to be observed using the linear trail compared with the central trail (OR = 1.2; 95% CI 1.12, 1.29). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that further promotional efforts for trail use need to be directed towards the African-American and non-white communities and that use of the linear trail needs to be promoted more among women. These data will contribute to current community policy and infrastructural efforts to increase bicycle and pedestrian transport and recreational physical activity.