“I grew up on a bike”: Cycling and older adults

Publication date: Available online 16 July 2014 Source:Journal of Transport & Health Author(s): Meghan Winters , Joanie Sims-Gould , Thea Franke , Heather McKay A large proportion of the growing population of older adults have low levels of physical activity and face ensuing health and mobility problems. Cycling is a health-promoting and widely accessible transportation option. However, throughout North America cycling rates amongst older adults are extremely low. Evidence from European countries suggests that cycling for older adults is possible and can be a popular travel choice. Therefore, we aimed to assess factors that contribute to cycling trends amongst North American older adults. We used a mixed methods approach to describe cycling behaviors, and facilitators and barriers to cycling in a highly bikeable area of Vancouver, Canada. We conducted a cross-sectional study of older adults (age ≥60 years) who lived in Vancouver’s downtown core. During September–October 2012, participants (n=191) recorded travel in 7-day diaries and completed questionnaires on cycling behaviors and perceptions of their neighborhood environments. We conducted in depth interviews with a subset of older adults (n=27) to better understand how they travelled in and around their neighborhoods. Participants demonstrated relatively high levels of cycling; one in four participants reported cycling in a usual week. Cycling mode share was 3.2% (182/5730 reported trips). Notably, th...
Source: Journal of Transport and Health - Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research