The potential for active commuting by bicycle and its possible effects on public health. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raustorp, Johan; Koglin, Till
• Is Part Of: Journal of transport & health. Volume 13(2019)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Active commuting -- Public health -- Sweden -- Scania -- Bicycle; Transportation -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Noise, Transportation -- Periodicals; Air Pollutants -- Periodicals; 388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2019.03.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-1405

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that physical inactivity and overweight/obesity are the world's fourth and fifth leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases, respectively. This article investigates the potential for active commuting by bicycle in Scania county, southern Sweden, and its possible impact on public health. Physical inactivity is a growing problem on both an individual and a societal level. Method, setting and population: A complete statistical survey and geographic analysis has been carried out based on data concerning the home and work addresses of the entire working population in the county of Scania, Sweden as of the end of 2014. This data set includes a total of 575, 959 individuals. Results: Approximately 27.9% of the population can reach their workplace by a 15-min bicycle commute, while 47.2% can reach their workplace in 30 min. It is possible to achieve a 47.2% modal share for active transport in Scania if all individuals within cycling distance of work choose to commute by bicycle. If that were to happen, 19.2% of the working population would meet the WHO's global health recommendations just through their commutes. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the spatial distribution of homes and workplaces in Scania is conducive to increasing the mode share for active transport through well-designed physical environments and transport systems that prioritise physical activity. Highlights: The study reveals the potential for bicycle commuting in the region of Scania. In 15 min, 27.9% of the population can reach their workplace by bicycle. In 30 min, 47.2% of the population can reach their workplace by bicycle. By commuting by bicycle, 19.2% of the population can meet the health recommendations. The greatest potential for commuting by bicycle is in and around urban areas.