Exploring Australian residents cycling engagement – differences in self‐reported cycling behaviour between urban and rural dwelling Queenslanders

King, Jemma C., Franklin, Richard C., Devine, Sue, Watt, Kerrianne, and Leggat, Peter A. (2020) Exploring Australian residents cycling engagement – differences in self‐reported cycling behaviour between urban and rural dwelling Queenslanders. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 31 (1). pp. 93-103.

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View at Publisher Website: https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.254
 
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Abstract

Issue addressed: Cycling participation rates in Australia and Queensland remain low. Rural residents typically do not have distinct cycling infrastructure available for use. Investigating current cycling participation and barriers to cycling engagement will inform future work to promote cycling engagement.

Methods: Data were collected through the inclusion of cycling‐related questions in the 2012 Queensland Social Survey.

Results: The majority of the sample had not cycled in the previous 12 months (66%; n = 831). Significantly more rural residents reported not cycling due to environmental concerns (P < 0.05) and preferring other modes of transport or exercise (P < 0.01). Rural cyclists (31.4%; n = 113) had higher levels of cycling engagement in the previous week (41.6% to 32.6% urban; χ2 = 7.83; n = 420; P < 0.05) but lower cycling durations than urban cyclists (41.6% rural residents cycling for 30+ minutes vs 57.4% urban residents; χ2 = 8.25; n = 418; P < 0.01). Rural cycling engagement was independently associated with being male (OR = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.40‐3.91); sufficient physical activity engagement (OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.10‐3.15); and having children at place of residence (1‐2 children: OR = 3.21; 95% CI = 1.88‐5.49; 3+ children: OR = 3.01; 95% CI = 1.17‐7.75).

Conclusions: One‐third of all adults cycled in the previous 12 months irrespective of location; however reasons for not cycling varied by urban/rural location. Results indicate that environmental factors appear to be inhibiting cycling participation in rural areas. Advocating for government commitment for infrastructure development to support safe cycling across Queensland including outside of metropolitan areas is required.

So what? This research explores self‐reported cycling engagement amongst a sample of urban and rural dwelling Queenslanders. Differences in cycling exposure and reasons for lack of engagement offer insights into what may encourage greater cycling participation.

Item ID: 56918
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 2201-1617
Keywords: bicycle, frequency, health, motivation, physical activity, rural, urban
Copyright Information: © 2019 Australian Health Promotion Association
Funders: Department of Industry, Innovation Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE)
Projects and Grants: Research Infrastructure Block Grant
Date Deposited: 25 Jun 2019 23:04
FoR Codes: 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4206 Public health > 420699 Public health not elsewhere classified @ 40%
42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4202 Epidemiology > 420299 Epidemiology not elsewhere classified @ 60%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9205 Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) > 920506 Rural Health @ 20%
92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920401 Behaviour and Health @ 50%
92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920409 Injury Control @ 30%
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