1
|
Boufous S, Olivier J. Age, crash type and the changing patterns of cycling fatalities in Australia between 1991 and 2022. Inj Prev 2024; 30:167-170. [PMID: 38220219 DOI: 10.1136/ip-2023-045003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Australia has made significant efforts in recent years to promote cycling. METHODS Trends in cyclist fatalities in Australia between 1991 and 2022, particularly in those aged 60 years and over, were examined using Poisson regression modelling. RESULTS Overall, cyclist fatalities decreased by 1.1% annually. However, while there was an annual decline of 2.5% in those aged <60 years, fatalities in the 60+ age group increased by 3.3% annually. Mortality rates also showed an annual decrease of 3.5% for cyclists aged <60 years but remained almost stable in the 60+ age group over the study period. Single vehicle fatalities increased markedly, particularly among the 60+ age group (4.4% annually). DISCUSSION The observed increase in 60+ fatalities is due to the ageing of the population rather than a rise in cycling popularity as previously thought. The rise in single vehicle fatalities is likely to be related to the increase in the availability and use of dedicated cycling infrastructure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soufiane Boufous
- Transport and Safety Research, School of Aviation, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jake Olivier
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Durão S, Burns J, Schmidt BM, Tumusiime D, Hohlfeld A, Pfadenhauer L, Ongolo-Zogo C, Rehfuess E, Kredo T. Infrastructure, policy and regulatory interventions to increase physical activity to prevent cardiovascular diseases and diabetes: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:112. [PMID: 36647042 PMCID: PMC9841711 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14841-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noncommunicable diseases are major contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Modifying the risk factors for these conditions, such as physical inactivity, is thus essential. Addressing the context or circumstances in which physical activity occurs may promote physical activity at a population level. We assessed the effects of infrastructure, policy or regulatory interventions for increasing physical activity. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase and clinicaltrials.gov to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled before-after (CBAs) studies, and interrupted time series (ITS) studies assessing population-level infrastructure or policy and regulatory interventions to increase physical activity. We were interested in the effects of these interventions on physical activity, body weight and related measures, blood pressure, and CVD and type 2 diabetes morbidity and mortality, and on other secondary outcomes. Screening and data extraction was done in duplicate, with risk of bias was using an adapted Cochrane risk of bias tool. Due to high levels of heterogeneity, we synthesised the evidence based on effect direction. RESULTS We included 33 studies, mostly conducted in high-income countries. Of these, 13 assessed infrastructure changes to green or other spaces to promote physical activity and 18 infrastructure changes to promote active transport. The effects of identified interventions on physical activity, body weight and blood pressure varied across studies (very low certainty evidence); thus, we remain very uncertain about the effects of these interventions. Two studies assessed the effects of policy and regulatory interventions; one provided free access to physical activity facilities and showed that it may have beneficial effects on physical activity (low certainty evidence). The other provided free bus travel for youth, with intervention effects varying across studies (very low certainty evidence). CONCLUSIONS Evidence from 33 studies assessing infrastructure, policy and regulatory interventions for increasing physical activity showed varying results. The certainty of the evidence was mostly very low, due to study designs included and inconsistent findings between studies. Despite this drawback, the evidence indicates that providing access to physical activity facilities may be beneficial; however this finding is based on only one study. Implementation of these interventions requires full consideration of contextual factors, especially in low resource settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018093429.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Solange Durão
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Jacob Burns
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XInstitute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Pettenkofer School of Public Health, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany ,Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Bey-Marrié Schmidt
- grid.415021.30000 0000 9155 0024Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa ,grid.8974.20000 0001 2156 8226School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David Tumusiime
- grid.10818.300000 0004 0620 2260College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Ameer Hohlfeld
- grid.415021.30000 0000 9155 0024Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lisa Pfadenhauer
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XInstitute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Pettenkofer School of Public Health, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany ,Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Clémence Ongolo-Zogo
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eva Rehfuess
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XInstitute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Pettenkofer School of Public Health, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany ,Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Tamara Kredo
- grid.415021.30000 0000 9155 0024Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tcymbal A, Demetriou Y, Kelso A, Wolbring L, Wunsch K, Wäsche H, Woll A, Reimers AK. Effects of the built environment on physical activity: a systematic review of longitudinal studies taking sex/gender into account. Environ Health Prev Med 2020; 25:75. [PMID: 33246405 PMCID: PMC7697377 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-020-00915-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Individual health behavior is related to environmental and social structures. To promote physical activity (PA) effectively, it is necessary to consider structural influences. Previous research has shown the relevance of the built environment. However, sex/gender differences have yet not been considered. The aim of this systematic review was to identify built environmental determinants of PA by taking sex/gender into account. Methods A systematic literature search was carried out using six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, SportDiscus, PsycInfo, Scopus, Web of Knowledge) to identify studies analyzing the effect of changes in the built environment on PA, taking sex/gender into account. To be included, studies had to be based on quantitative data and a longitudinal study design. Changes in the built environment had to be objectively assessed. The methodological quality of the studies was examined using the QualSyst tool for examining risk of bias. Results In total, 36 studies published since 2000 were included in this review. The data synthesis revealed that the majority of reviewed studies found the built environment to be a determinant of PA behavior for both, males and females, in a similar way. Creating a new infrastructure for walking, cycling, and public transportation showed a positive effect on PA behavior. Findings were most consistent for the availability of public transport, which was positively associated with overall PA and walking. The improvement of walking and cycling infrastructure had no effect on the overall level of PA, but it attracted more users and had a positive effect on active transportation. In women, the availability of public transport, safe cycling lanes, housing density, and the distance to daily destinations proved to be more relevant with regard to their PA behavior. In men, street network characteristics and road environment, such as intersection connectivity, local road density, and the presence of dead-end roads, were more important determinants of PA. Conclusion This review sheds light on the relevance of the built environment on PA. By focusing on sex/gender differences, a new aspect was addressed that should be further analyzed in future research and considered by urban planners and other practitioners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonina Tcymbal
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-University University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Gebbertstraße 123b, 91058, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Yolanda Demetriou
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Kelso
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Wolbring
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Kathrin Wunsch
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Hagen Wäsche
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Alexander Woll
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Anne K Reimers
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-University University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Gebbertstraße 123b, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stankov I, Garcia LMT, Mascolli MA, Montes F, Meisel JD, Gouveia N, Sarmiento OL, Rodriguez DA, Hammond RA, Caiaffa WT, Diez Roux AV. A systematic review of empirical and simulation studies evaluating the health impact of transportation interventions. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109519. [PMID: 32335428 PMCID: PMC7343239 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Urban transportation is an important determinant of health and environmental outcomes, and therefore essential to achieving the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. To better understand the health impacts of transportation initiatives, we conducted a systematic review of longitudinal health evaluations involving: a) bus rapid transit (BRT); b) bicycle lanes; c) Open Streets programs; and d) aerial trams/cable cars. We also synthesized systems-based simulation studies of the health-related consequences of walking, bicycling, aerial tram, bus and BRT use. Two reviewers screened 3302 unique titles and abstracts identified through a systematic search of MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus, TRID and LILACS databases. We included 39 studies: 29 longitudinal evaluations and 10 simulation studies. Five studies focused on low- and middle-income contexts. Of the 29 evaluation studies, 19 focused on single component bicycle lane interventions; the rest evaluated multi-component interventions involving: bicycle lanes (n = 5), aerial trams (n = 1), and combined bicycle lane/BRT systems (n = 4). Bicycle lanes and BRT systems appeared effective at increasing bicycle and BRT mode share, active transport duration, and number of trips using these modes. Of the 10 simulation studies, there were 9 agent-based models and one system dynamics model. Five studies focused on bus/BRT expansions and incentives, three on interventions for active travel, and the rest investigated combinations of public transport and active travel policies. Synergistic effects were observed when multiple policies were implemented, with several studies showing that sizable interventions are required to significantly shift travel mode choices. Our review indicates that bicycle lanes and BRT systems represent promising initiatives for promoting population health. There is also evidence to suggest that synergistic effects might be achieved through the combined implementation of multiple transportation policies. However, more rigorous evaluation and simulation studies focusing on low- and middle-income countries, aerial trams and Open Streets programs, and a more diverse set of health and health equity outcomes is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Stankov
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, 3600 Market St, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Leandro M T Garcia
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Felipe Montes
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Social and Health Complexity Center, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - José D Meisel
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Ibagué, Carrera 22 Calle 67, Ibagué, 730001, Colombia
| | - Nelson Gouveia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Olga L Sarmiento
- School of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra 1 # 18a-10, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniel A Rodriguez
- University of California, Berkeley, USA; Department of City and Regional Planning and Institute for Transportation Studies, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Ross A Hammond
- Center on Social Dynamics and Policy, The Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20036, USA; Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St Louis, MO, 36130, USA
| | - Waleska Teixeira Caiaffa
- Observatory for Urban Health in Belo Horizonte, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana V Diez Roux
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, 3600 Market St, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ling R, Rothman L, Cloutier MS, Macarthur C, Howard A. Cyclist-motor vehicle collisions before and after implementation of cycle tracks in Toronto, Canada. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2020; 135:105360. [PMID: 31785479 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2019.105360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cycling, as a mode of active transportation, has numerous health and societal benefits, but carries risks of injury when performed on-road with vehicles. Cycle tracks are dedicated lanes with a physical separation or barrier between bicycles and motor vehicles. Studies on the effectiveness of cycle tracks in urban areas in North America, as well as the area-wide effects of cycle tracks are limited. AIMS Study objectives were to examine the effect of cycle track implementation on cyclist-motor vehicle collisions (CMVC) occurring: (1) on streets treated with new cycle tracks; (2) on streets surrounding new cycle tracks in Toronto, Canada. METHODS Intervention and outcome data were obtained from the City of Toronto. All police-reported CMVC from 2000 to 2016 were mapped. Analyses were restricted to 2 years pre- and 2 years post-track implementation. Rates were calculated for CMVC on streets with cycle tracks (objective 1) and in five defined areas surrounding cycle tracks (objective 2). Zero-Inflated Poisson regression was used to compare changes to CMVC rates before and after cycle track implementation for both objectives. All models controlled for season of collision and cycle track. RESULTS The majority of CMVC on cycle tracks occurred at intersections (75%). The crude CMVC rate increased two-fold after cycle track implementation (IRR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.51-2.81); however, after accounting for the increase in cycling volumes post-implementation, there was a 38% reduction in the CMVC rate per cyclist-month (IRR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.44-0.89). On streets between 151 m - 550 m from cycle tracks, there was a significant 35% reduction in CMVC rates per km-month following track implementation (IRR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.54-0.76). CONCLUSIONS Cycle track implementation was associated with increased safety for cyclists on cycle tracks, after adjusting for cycling volume. In addition, there was a significant reduction in CMVC on streets surrounding cycle tracks between 151 m - 550 m distance from the tracks (a 'safety halo' effect), suggesting an area-wide safety effect of cycle track implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ling
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, M5G 0A4, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, M5T 3M7, Canada.
| | - Linda Rothman
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, 288 Church Street, Toronto, M5B 1Z5, Canada
| | - Marie-Soleil Cloutier
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, 385 Sherbrooke Street E, Montreal, H2X 1E3, Canada
| | - Colin Macarthur
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Andrew Howard
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, M5G 0A4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
McGavock J, Brunton N, Klaprat N, Swanson A, Pancoe D, Manley E, Weerasinghe A, Booth GL, Russell K, Rosella L, Hobin E. Walking on Water-A Natural Experiment of a Population Health Intervention to Promote Physical Activity after the Winter Holidays. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16193627. [PMID: 31569652 PMCID: PMC6801820 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Very few experimental studies exist describing the effect of changes to the built environment and opportunities for physical activity (PA). We examined the impact of an urban trail created on a frozen waterway on visitor counts and PA levels. Methods: We studied a natural experiment in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada that included 374,204 and 237,362 trail users during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 winter seasons. The intervention was a 10 km frozen waterway trail lasting 8–10 weeks. The comparator conditions were the time periods immediately before and after the intervention when ~10 kms of land-based trails were accessible to the public. A convenience sample of 466 participants provided directly measured PA while on the frozen waterway. Results: Most trail users were 35 years or older (73%), Caucasian (77%), and had an annual household income >$50,000 (61%). Mean daily trail network visits increased ~four-fold when the frozen waterway was open (median and interquartile range (IQR) = 710 (239–1839) vs. 2897 (1360–5583) visits/day, p < 0.001), compared with when it was closed. Users achieved medians of 3852 steps (IQR: 2574–5496 steps) and 23 min (IQR: 13–37 min) of moderate to vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) per visit, while 37% of users achieved ≥30 min of MVPA. Conclusion: A winter-specific urban trail network on a frozen waterway substantially increased visits to an existing urban trail network and was associated with a meaningful dose of MVPA. Walking on water could nudge populations living in cold climates towards more activity during winter months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan McGavock
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada.
- Diabetes Research Envisioned and Accomplished in Manitoba (DREAM) Research Theme at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada.
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada.
| | - Nicole Brunton
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
- Diabetes Research Envisioned and Accomplished in Manitoba (DREAM) Research Theme at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Nika Klaprat
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
- Diabetes Research Envisioned and Accomplished in Manitoba (DREAM) Research Theme at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Anders Swanson
- Winnipeg Trails Association, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0Y6, Canada
| | | | - Ed Manley
- The Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Faculty of the Built Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ashini Weerasinghe
- Public Health Ontario, 480 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1V2, Canada
| | - Gillian L Booth
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Kelly Russell
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Laura Rosella
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Erin Hobin
- Public Health Ontario, 480 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1V2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Grunseit A, Crane M, Klarenaar P, Noyes J, Merom D. Closing the loop: short term impacts on physical activity of the completion of a loop trail in Sydney, Australia. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2019; 16:57. [PMID: 31307471 PMCID: PMC6631862 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-019-0815-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Australia, an estimated 57% of the population do not meet physical activity recommendations for health. The built environment is important for active living, and recreational trails provide safe and pleasant settings for this purpose. However, evidence for positive impacts on physical activity from real world natural experiments is sparse. We describe the impact of transforming a recreational trail into a loop on usage by cyclists and pedestrians and users' physical activity levels. METHOD We conducted time series analyses of pre and post-completion (November 2013-July 2015) counts taken from infrared electronic counters of pedestrians and cyclists on two established sections of the trail adjusted for underlying trend, trend change, weather, holidays and trail closures. Chi-square analyses of pre and post-completion visual counts examined change in the distribution of pedestrian/cyclist, adult/child, and male/female users. Descriptive and bivariate analyses of post-completion intercept survey data of 249 trail users were conducted to examine user characteristics and impact on physical activity. RESULTS Pedestrian and cyclist counts on established trail sections increased by between 200 and 340% from pre to post-completion. Visual count data showed a significant 7% increase in children (vs adults) using the trail at one site pre to post (p = 0.008). Of previous users, 48% reported doing more physical activity at the trail and this was additional to (not replacing) physical activity done elsewhere. Those users not meeting physical activity recommendations were more likely to report increased total physical activity since the loop was created (55.5% vs 39.2%, p = 0.031). The connected loop nature of the trail and its length was perceived to encourage more and different forms of physical activity. CONCLUSION Creating an accessible loop trail away from motorised traffic can lead to increased trail use and potentially total physical activity. The modification to the trail encouraged proportionate and real increases in usage among vulnerable populations such as children and perhaps greater total physical activity especially for people not meeting physical activity recommendations. The findings suggest that the benefits of environmental changes such as these can accrue to those most in need of support for being physically active.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Grunseit
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sydney School of Public Health, Level 6, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Melanie Crane
- Sydney School of Public Health, Level 6, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Paul Klarenaar
- Northern Sydney Local Health District Health Promotion, Brookvale Community Health Centre, Level 4, 612-624 Pittwater Rd, Brookvale, NSW, 2100, Australia
| | - Jonathon Noyes
- Northern Sydney Local Health District Health Promotion, Brookvale Community Health Centre, Level 4, 612-624 Pittwater Rd, Brookvale, NSW, 2100, Australia
| | - Dafna Merom
- Physical Activity and Health, School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Evaluation of the impact of a public bicycle share program on population bicycling in Vancouver, BC. Prev Med Rep 2018; 12:176-181. [PMID: 30306014 PMCID: PMC6174831 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Public bicycle share programs have been implemented in cities around the world to encourage bicycling. However, there are limited evaluations of the impact of these programs on bicycling at the population level. This study examined the impact of a public bicycle share program on bicycling amongst residents of Vancouver, BC. Using an online panel, we surveyed a population-based sample of Vancouver residents three times: prior to the implementation of the public bicycle share program (T0, October 2015, n = 1111); in the early phase of implementation (T1, October 2016, n = 995); and one-year post implementation (T2, October 2017, n = 966). We used difference in differences estimation to assess whether there was an increase in bicycling amongst those living and/or working in close proximity (≤500 m) to Vancouver's Mobi by Shaw Go public bicycle share program, compared to those living and working outside this area. Results suggest that only living or only working inside the bicycle share service area was not associated with increases in bicycling at T1 or T2 relative to those outside the service area. Both living and working inside the bicycle share service area was associated with increases in bicycling at T1 (OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.07, 4.80), however not at T2 (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 0.67, 2.83). These findings indicate that the implementation of a public bicycle share program may have a greater effect on bicycling for residents who both live and work within the service area, although this effect may not be sustained over time.
Collapse
|
9
|
The effect of infrastructural changes in the built environment on physical activity, active transportation and sedentary behavior – A systematic review. Health Place 2018; 53:135-149. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
10
|
Macmillan AK, Mackie H, Hosking JE, Witten K, Smith M, Field A, Woodward A, Hoskins R, Stewart J, van der Werf B, Baas P. Controlled before-after intervention study of suburb-wide street changes to increase walking and cycling: Te Ara Mua-Future Streets study design. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:850. [PMID: 29986679 PMCID: PMC6038249 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5758-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achieving a shift from car use to walking, cycling and public transport in cities is a crucial part of healthier, more environmentally sustainable human habitats. Creating supportive active travel environments is an important precursor to this shift. The longevity of urban infrastructure necessitates retrofitting existing suburban neighbourhoods. Previous studies of the effects of street changes have generally relied on natural experiments, have included few outcomes, and have seldom attempted to understand the equity impacts of such interventions. METHODS In this paper we describe the design of Te Ara Mua - Future Streets, a mixed-methods, controlled before-after intervention study to assess the effect of retrofitting street changes at the suburb scale on multiple health, social and environmental outcomes. The study has a particular focus on identifying factors that improve walking and cycling to local destinations in low-income neighbourhoods and on reducing social and health inequities experienced by Māori (Indigenous New Zealanders) and Pacific people. Qualitative system dynamics modelling was used to develop a causal theory for the relationships between active travel, and walking and cycling infrastructure. On this basis we selected outcomes of interest. Together with the transport funder, we triangulated best evidence from the literature, transport policy makers, urban design professionals and community knowledge to develop interventions that were contextually and culturally appropriate. Using a combination of direct observation and random sample face to face surveys, we are measuring outcomes in these domains of wellbeing: road-user behaviour, changes to travel mode for short trips, physical activity, air quality, road traffic injuries, greenhouse gas emissions, and perceptions of neighbourhood social connection, safety, and walking and cycling infrastructure . DISCUSSION While building on previous natural experiments, Te Ara Mua - Future Streets is unique in testing an intervention designed by the research team, community and transport investors together; including a wide range of objective outcome measures; and having an equity focus. When undertaking integrated intervention studies of this kind, a careful balance is needed between epidemiological imperatives, the constraints of transport funding and implementation and community priorities, while retaining the ability to contribute new evidence for healthy, equitable transport policy. The study was retrospectively registered as a clinical trial on 21 June 2018 in the ISCRTN registry: ISRCTN89845334 http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN89845334.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. K. Macmillan
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, 18 Frederick St, Dunedin, 9054 New Zealand
| | - H. Mackie
- Mackie Research, Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J. E. Hosking
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - K. Witten
- SHORE Whariki, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M. Smith
- School of Nursing, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A. Field
- Dovetail Research Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A. Woodward
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - R. Hoskins
- DesignTribe Architects, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J. Stewart
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - B. van der Werf
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - P. Baas
- TERNZ Transport Research, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rissel C, Crane M, Standen C, Wen LM, Ellison R, Greaves S. Public support for bicycling and transport policies in inner Sydney, Australia: a cross-sectional survey. Aust N Z J Public Health 2018; 42:309-314. [PMID: 29697889 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the degree of community support - and factors associated with this support - for a number of potential transport policy options among an inner-city sample of residents in Sydney, Australia. METHODS This study analysed data collected from a cross-sectional online survey: Wave 3 of the Sydney Transport and Health Study, conducted in September-October 2015 (n=418). RESULTS There was a high level of overall support for policies to make public transport cheaper (85%), have more bicycle paths separated from motor vehicles (82%) and have a public bike-share program (72%), with similar levels of support across usual commute mode, age and sex. CONCLUSIONS Despite a natural tendency for respondents to support transport policies that were of most relevance to themselves, it appeared that, in this sample, public support for public transport and bicycling policies remained strong across all respondents. Implications for public health: Policies that support public transport and active travel and achieve positive health outcomes would be well received by inner-Sydney residents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Rissel
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Melanie Crane
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Chris Standen
- Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, University of Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Li Ming Wen
- Health Promotion Unit, Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales.,School of Public Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Richard Ellison
- Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, University of Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Stephen Greaves
- Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, University of Sydney, New South Wales
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kärmeniemi M, Lankila T, Ikäheimo T, Koivumaa-Honkanen H, Korpelainen R. The Built Environment as a Determinant of Physical Activity: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies and Natural Experiments. Ann Behav Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/abm/kax043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Kärmeniemi
- Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Aapistie, Finland
- Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tiina Lankila
- Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tiina Ikäheimo
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Center for Environment and Respiratory Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Heli Koivumaa-Honkanen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine (Psychiatry), University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Lapland Hospital District, Rovaniemi, Finland
| | - Raija Korpelainen
- Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Aapistie, Finland
- Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Heesch KC, Langdon M. The usefulness of GPS bicycle tracking data for evaluating the impact of infrastructure change on cycling behaviour. Health Promot J Austr 2018; 27:222-229. [PMID: 27596689 DOI: 10.1071/he16032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Issue addressed A key strategy to increase active travel is the construction of bicycle infrastructure. Tools to evaluate this strategy are limited. This study assessed the usefulness of a smartphone GPS tracking system for evaluating the impact of this strategy on cycling behaviour. Methods Cycling usage data were collected from Queenslanders who used a GPS tracking app on their smartphone from 2013-2014. 'Heat' and volume maps of the data were reviewed, and GPS bicycle counts were compared with surveillance data and bicycle counts from automatic traffic-monitoring devices. Results Heat maps broadly indicated that changes in cycling occurred near infrastructure improvements. Volume maps provided changes in counts of cyclists due to these improvements although errors were noted in geographic information system (GIS) geo-coding of some GPS data. Large variations were evident in the number of cyclists using the app in different locations. These variations limited the usefulness of GPS data for assessing differences in cycling across locations. Conclusion Smartphone GPS data are useful in evaluating the impact of improved bicycle infrastructure in one location. Using GPS data to evaluate differential changes in cycling across multiple locations is problematic when there is insufficient traffic-monitoring devices available to triangulate GPS data with bicycle traffic count data. So what? The use of smartphone GPS data with other data sources is recommended for assessing how infrastructure improvements influence cycling behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristiann C Heesch
- School of Public Health and Social Work and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Herston, Qld 4059, Australia
| | - Michael Langdon
- Infrastructure Management and Delivery Division, Department of Transport and Main Roads, Floor 11, 313 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, Qld 4000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Smith M, Hosking J, Woodward A, Witten K, MacMillan A, Field A, Baas P, Mackie H. Systematic literature review of built environment effects on physical activity and active transport - an update and new findings on health equity. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2017; 14:158. [PMID: 29145884 PMCID: PMC5693449 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-017-0613-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 340] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence is mounting to suggest a causal relationship between the built environment and people's physical activity behaviours, particularly active transport. The evidence base has been hindered to date by restricted consideration of cost and economic factors associated with built environment interventions, investigation of socioeconomic or ethnic differences in intervention effects, and an inability to isolate the effect of the built environment from other intervention types. The aims of this systematic review were to identify which environmental interventions increase physical activity in residents at the local level, and to build on the evidence base by considering intervention cost, and the differential effects of interventions by ethnicity and socioeconomic status. METHODS A systematic database search was conducted in June 2015. Articles were eligible if they reported a quantitative empirical study (natural experiment or a prospective, retrospective, experimental, or longitudinal research) investigating the relationship between objectively measured built environment feature(s) and physical activity and/or travel behaviours in children or adults. Quality assessment was conducted and data on intervention cost and whether the effect of the built environment differed by ethnicity or socioeconomic status were extracted. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies were included in the review. Findings showed a positive effect of walkability components, provision of quality parks and playgrounds, and installation of or improvements in active transport infrastructure on active transport, physical activity, and visits or use of settings. There was some indication that infrastructure improvements may predominantly benefit socioeconomically advantaged groups. Studies were commonly limited by selection bias and insufficient controlling for confounders. Heterogeneity in study design and reporting limited comparability across studies or any clear conclusions to be made regarding intervention cost. CONCLUSIONS Improving neighbourhood walkability, quality of parks and playgrounds, and providing adequate active transport infrastructure is likely to generate positive impacts on activity in children and adults. The possibility that the benefits of infrastructure improvements may be inequitably distributed requires further investigation. Opportunities to improve the quality of evidence exist, including strategies to improve response rates and representativeness, use of valid and reliable measurement tools, cost-benefit analyses, and adequate controlling for confounders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melody Smith
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142 New Zealand
| | - Jamie Hosking
- School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142 New Zealand
| | - Alistair Woodward
- School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142 New Zealand
| | - Karen Witten
- SHORE and Whāriki Research Centre, School of Public Health, Massey University, Box 6137, Wellesley Street, Auckland, PO New Zealand
| | - Alexandra MacMillan
- Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Box 56, Dunedin, PO 9054 New Zealand
| | - Adrian Field
- Dovetail Consulting Ltd, Box 78-146, Grey Lynn, Auckland, PO 1245 New Zealand
| | - Peter Baas
- Transport Engineering Research New Zealand Limited, Box 11029, Auckland, PO 1542 New Zealand
| | - Hamish Mackie
- Mackie Consulting Limited, Box 106525, Auckland, PO 1143 New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Panter J, Ogilvie D. Can environmental improvement change the population distribution of walking? J Epidemiol Community Health 2017; 71:528-535. [PMID: 28270502 PMCID: PMC5484036 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2016-208417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have explored the impact of environmental change on walking using controlled comparisons. Even fewer have examined whose behaviour changes and how. In a natural experimental study of new walking and cycling infrastructure, we explored changes in walking, identified groups who changed in similar ways and assessed whether exposure to the infrastructure was associated with trajectories of walking. METHODS 1257 adults completed annual surveys assessing walking, sociodemographic and health characteristics and use of the infrastructure (2010-2012). Residential proximity to the new routes was assessed objectively. We used latent growth curve models to assess change in total walking, walking for recreation and for transport, used simple descriptive analysis and latent class analysis (LCA) to identify groups who changed in similar ways and examined factors associated with group membership using multinomial regression. RESULTS LCA identified five trajectories, characterised by consistently low levels; consistently high levels; decreases; short-lived increases; and sustained increases. Those with lower levels of education and lower incomes were more likely to show both short-lived and sustained increases in walking for transport. However, those with lower levels of education were less likely to take up walking. Proximity to the intervention was associated with both uptake of and short-lived increases in walking for transport. CONCLUSIONS Environmental improvement encouraged the less active to take up walking for transport, as well as encouraging those who were already active to walk more. Further research should disentangle the role of socioeconomic characteristics in determining use of new environments and changes in walking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Panter
- Department of Medicine, MRC Epidemiology Unit and UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), School of Clinical, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Ogilvie
- Department of Medicine, MRC Epidemiology Unit and UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), School of Clinical, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Brown BB, Tharp D, Tribby CP, Smith KR, Miller HJ, Werner CM. Changes in bicycling over time associated with a new bike lane: relations with kilocalories energy expenditure and body mass index. JOURNAL OF TRANSPORT & HEALTH 2016; 3:357-365. [PMID: 27672561 PMCID: PMC5034937 DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Although bicycling has been related to positive health indicators, few studies examine health-related measures associated with non-competitive community cycling before and after cycling infrastructure improvements. This study examined cycling changes in a neighborhood receiving a bike lane, light rail, and other "complete street" improvements. Participants wore accelerometers and global positioning system (GPS) data loggers for one week in both 2012 and 2013, pre- and post- construction completion. Participants sampled within 2 km of the complete street improvements had the following patterns of cycling: never cyclists (n=434), continuing cyclists (n= 29), former cyclists (n=33, who bicycled in 2012 but not 2013), and new cyclists (n=40, who bicycled in 2013 but not 2012). Results show that all three cycling groups, as identified by GPS/accelerometry data, expended more estimated kilocalories (kcal) of energy per minute during the monitoring week than those who were never detected cycling, net of control variables. Similar but attenuated results emerged when cycling self-report measures were used. BMI was not related to cycling group but those who cycled longer on the new path had lower BMI. Although cyclists burn more calories than non-cyclists across the week, among cyclists, their cycling days involved more calories expended than their non-cycling days. The new cyclists account for 39% of the cyclists identified in this study and former cyclists account for 32% of cyclists. These results suggest that cycling is healthy, but that sustaining rates of cycling will be an important goal for future policy and research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara B. Brown
- Department of Family and Consumer Studies; Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, 225 S 1400 E RM 228, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Douglas Tharp
- Department of Family & Consumer Studies, 225 S 1400 E RM 228, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Calvin P. Tribby
- Department of Geography; Ohio State University, 1036 Derby Hall, 154 N. Oval Mall, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ken R. Smith
- Department of Family and Consumer Studies; Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, 225 S 1400 E RM 228, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Harvey J. Miller
- Department of Geography; Ohio State University, 1036 Derby Hall, 154 N. Oval Mall, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Carol M. Werner
- Department of Psychology, 380 S. 1530 E., RM 502 BSB, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|