TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2013//
TI  - Utilitarian cycling in Belgium: a cross-sectional study in a sample of regular cyclists
JO  - Journal of physical activity and health
A1  - de Geus, Bas
A1  - Degraeuwe, Bart
A1  - Vandenbulcke, Gregory
A1  - Int Panis L, Louis Rosa
A1  - Thomas, Isabelle
A1  - Aertsens, Joris
A1  - De Weerdt, Yves
A1  - Torfs, Rudi
A1  - Meeusen, Romain
SP  - 884
EP  - 894
VL  - 11
IS  - 5
N2  - BACKGROUND: For an accurate estimation of health benefits and hazards of utilitarian cycling, a prospective collection of bicycle usage data (exposure) is fundamental. Individual and environmental correlates are necessary to guide health promotion and traffic safety issues. Firstly, this study aims to report on utilitarian bicycle usage in Belgium, using a prospective data collection in regular adult commuter cyclists. Secondly, the association is explored between the individual variation in bicycle usage and individual and environmental correlates. METHODS: 1187 regular adult cyclists filled out travel diaries prospectively. Multivariate linear regression with Stepwise selection (SMLR) models studied the association between exposure and individual and environmental correlates. RESULTS: Higher age and availability of cycle paths have a positive association with bicycle usage to work. Women cycle significant less compared to men, and so do cyclists with 'poor' or 'average' health. Living in an urban crown (opposed to city centre) and living in Flanders (opposed to Brussels or Wallonia) is associated with significantly more cycling. CONCLUSIONS: Utilitarian cycling is related to regional differences, level of urbanization of the place of residence, availability of bicycle paths and gender. These findings are useful in estimating health benefits and hazards of utilitarian cycling among regular Belgian cyclists.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1543-3080
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -