Journal of Physical Activity and Health · 2006 · 351 citations · 27 references
Public HealthHuman GeographyUrban PlanningBuilt EnvironmentPhysical ActivityTransportationLeisure-time Physical ActivityOutdoor RecreationRecreation GeographyRecreation ParticipationTravel BehaviorTravel BehaviourCross-sectional Correlation StudyCross-sectional EpidemiologyRecreation Travel PatternsTravel Mode ChoiceWalkabilityWalkingWalking BehaviourWalking For Recreation
Walking is a widely practiced recreational activity and viable travel mode, yet the specific built‑environment factors that influence walking for recreation versus transportation remain unclear. The authors surveyed 438 adults and combined self‑reported walking data with objective environmental metrics, then applied multinomial logit models to estimate the odds of walking for recreation or transportation. Utilitarian destinations increased transportation walking, while recreational destinations had no effect; residential density was linked to both purposes, sidewalks to recreation only, and hills promoted recreation but deterred transportation, indicating that distinct environmental attributes drive each walking purpose and warrant targeted interventions.
Background: Walking is a popular recreational activity and a feasible travel mode. Associations exist between walking and the built environment, but knowledge is lacking about specific environmental conditions associated with different purposes of walking. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a survey of 438 adults and objective environmental measures. Multinomial logit models estimated the odds of walking for recreation or transportation purposes. Results: Utilitarian destinations were positively associated with transportation walking, but recreational destinations were not associated with any walking. Residential density was correlated with both purposes of walking, and sidewalks with recreation walking only. Hills were positively associated with recreation walking and negatively with transportation walking. Conclusions: Physical environment contributed significantly to explain the probability of walking. However, different attributes of environment were related to transportation versus recreation walking, suggesting the need for multiple and targeted interventions to effectively support walking.
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