Hiking and cycling in the United States have increased, but remain at a low level: improvement of the infrastructure and targeted programmes required

A new study published in the American Journal of public health reports a significant increase from 2001 to 2009 on foot in the United States, but only slight growth in cycling.

A team of researchers from Rutgers University, Virginia Tech and the University of Sydney assessed changes in walking and cycling in the United States from 2001 to 2009. You used the 2001 and 2009 national household travel surveys the frequency to calculate duration and distance of hiking and per capita. They found that the average American 17 in 2009 than in the year 2001 on foot 9 are more travel more miles per year, compared with only 2 more bike covers tours, and 5 more miles of cycling. You merged the population weighted person and prevalence of at least 30 minutes per day calculated travel files all hiking and cycling and hiking and cycling. While the prevalence of "each walking" in the population remained unchanged, at least 30 minutes per day from 7.2% to foot rose to 8.0 percent. The prevalence of "each bike" the population remained to 1.7 per cent, and the prevalence of "30 minutes cycling" remained at 0.9 percent. Changes in active travel from 2001 to 2009 were not evenly distributed over population subgroups. Active travel for women, children and senior citizens turned from, but increased among the people the Center, aged, was well educated and people without a car. Thus, important issues of social injustice in active travel offers.

The analysis confirmed the important role of public transport in encouraging active travel. 90 Per cent of all public transport travel walk travel at both ends with should policy public transport stops include packages for the promotion of active travel safe and convenient pedestrian access. Cycling has also the potential, an important mode of access to public transport.

The study's authors conclude, "in design the right mix of policy, it is important, target women, children and senior citizens, which are the most vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists and require special attention, to protect them from the dangers of motor vehicle traffic." "Improved infrastructure for walking and cycling should be combined with educational and helping advertising services, the required behavior encourage change in the direction of an active lifestyle."

Source code
American Journal of public health

source:medicalnewstoday