Abstract
ObjectivesThis study aimed at analyzing the cycling safety-related factors and the mental health indicators of elderly cyclists in comparison with other age groups.MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, we analyzed the data of 911 bicyclists from two Latin American countries that have been experiencing a substantial growth of urban cycling during the last few years: Colombia and Argentina. Participants responded to an e-questionnaire on bicycling behaviors, mental health and cycling safety.ResultsAging adults reported lower rates of risky behaviors and traffic crashes (around .38 in five years), and, on the other hand, more cycling protective behaviors, a higher risk perception and a better knowledge of traffic norms than both other adults (26–50 years old) and young cyclists (<26). Cycling behaviors and crashes were found to be significantly related to mental health indicators, the latter being higher in aging cyclists. However, this population remains more prone to distractions experienced while cycling than other age groups.ConclusionsAlthough the behavioral features of aging adults were comparatively “safer” than the ones displayed by other age groups, factors such as cycling distractions and this population’s over-representation in traffic crashes suggest the need of enforcing policymaking for a better integration of this age segment in alternative transportation dynamics.
Highlights
As transportation dynamics are constantly changing, shifting in most countries to alternative and sustainable means of transport, different users are systematically replacing the use of traditional cars with non-motorized vehicles; among them, the bicycle stands out, being often chosen by users for their urban trips, thanks to some of its key factors such as efficiency, health and environmental sustainability [1,2,3].As stated in many recent studies, using active transport means for (e.g.), daily commuting, leisure and regular trips improves the individual’s general physical and mental health [4,5,6]
Cycling behaviors and crashes were found to be significantly related to mental health indicators, the latter being higher in aging cyclists
This population remains more prone to distractions experienced while cycling than other age groups
Summary
As transportation dynamics are constantly changing, shifting in most countries to alternative and sustainable means of transport, different users are systematically replacing the use of traditional cars with non-motorized vehicles; among them, the bicycle stands out, being often chosen by users for their urban trips, thanks to some of its key factors such as efficiency, health and environmental sustainability [1,2,3].As stated in many recent studies, using active transport means for (e.g.), daily commuting, leisure and regular trips improves the individual’s general physical and mental health [4,5,6]. Different positive physical benefits, such as a decreased risk of suffering Type 2 –diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases [7,8], and mental health outcomes, such stress reduction and subjective well-being [9,10], have been found in active urban cyclists, especially when compared to motor-vehicle commuters [7]. These benefits result specially interesting when applied to populations that are more prone to present numerous health problems and sedentary lifestyles, such as adults over 50 years old. Enforced by policymaking, cycling has gained a significant popularity among population groups such as aging adults, who frequently perceive urban cycling as the instrument to achieve different improvements in physical health, lifestyle, autonomy and mental health [4,12]
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