Intrapersonal and Environmental Correlates of Bicycling in U.S. Adults

Bicycling is a health-promoting physical activity, but little is known about the factors that influence this behavior in the U.S. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to identify multilevel ecologic correlates of bicycling behaviors in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.

This analysis, conducted in 2016-2017, utilized data from the 2012 National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behaviors (n=7,509; N=246,155,593). Weighted logistic regression models were utilized to examine the association between intrapersonal, perceived environment, and objective environment variables and total, recreation, and transportation bicycling.

Significant differences were identified when bicyclists were compared with non-bicyclists. Respondents whose most recent ride was for recreation had significantly higher odds of being male, younger, white, and college educated, and significantly lower odds of being retired or a homemaker. Respondents who reported that their most recent ride was for transportation had significantly higher odds of being male, younger, and a student, and had significantly lower odds of being a high school graduate. Transportation riders also had significantly higher odds of perceived presence of a bike lane or path within one-quarter mile of their residence, and living in a more rural area.

In the U.S., recreation bicycling is a choice-based behavior, whereas transportation bicycling may be more influenced by the perceived and objective built environment. Interventions should consider how to make recreation and transportation bicycling more accessible and affordable to all individuals.