The built environment and the frequency of cycling trips by urban elderly: Insights from Zhongshan, China

Abstract

As a form of active transport, cycling provides significant health benefits to the elderly. Among voluminous active transport-related literature, few studies have investigated the correlates of the cycling activity of urban elderly. This study explored the effects of individual, household, and built environment attributes on the frequency of cycling trips by urban elderly, with data collected from 33 urban neighborhoods of Zhongshan, China. The negative binomial regression models detect that, all else being equal, living in a neighborhood with a compact urban form and safe cycling environment is strongly connected to more cycling trips by the urban elderly. The models also suggest that attitudes towards cycling or driving and household ownership of bicycles or cars are significantly related to urban elderly's cycling trips. The findings facilitate our understanding of the effects of built environment on cycling activity and provide insights into an effective design of interventions on health promotion of the urban elderly in China.