Built and social environment factors associated with stages of change of cycling for transport. Case studies from the pasta project.

Abstract

Cycling for transport provides health and other benefits to participating individuals, wider society and the environment. In a European context, where the uptake of cycling is very varied, this thesis explores how built and social environment factors affect people’s cycling behaviour. Using survey data from the European project Physical Activity through Sustainable Transport Approaches (PASTA), 7,684 participants from seven European cities were assigned to three behavioural stages of change based on the Transtheoretical Model and specifically defined for cycling for transport (Pre-contemplation = “Not thinking about cycling”, Contemplation-Preparation = “Thinking about cycling” and Action-Maintenance = “Cycling”). A statistical model estimated the associations of built and social environment with the stages of change, controlling for socioeconomic status and city. Elements in both the built and social environment have strong associations with the cycling stages of change. For built environment variables, effect sizes are greatest for comfort and for the perceptions of cycling facilities (cycle parking and changing facilities). For social environment variables, social support is the most important effect, and particularly for those not thinking about cycling. The model fits the data well and sensitivity analyses confirm the selection of variables and the generality of the findings across cities. Policy recommendations are tailored to different groups: those who do not even think about cycling need to internalise the message that cycling can be safe and comfortable. For those considering cycling, comfort is important, but having access to parking and changing facilities would also help. Providing opportunities for both of these non-cycling groups to exchange views on cycling with people close to them who are already cycling will help them act. Policies should focus on making cycling for transport accessible for everyone by tailoring interventions targeting these different behavioural change groups.