Attitudes and the environment as determinants of active travel in adults: what do and don't we know?

BACKGROUND

Walking and cycling for transport, or 'active travel,' has the potential to contribute to overall physical activity levels. However, a wide range of factors are hypothesized to be associated with adult's active travel behavior. This paper describes current knowledge of the psychological and environmental determinants of active travel in adults, and considers ways in which the 2 domains can be better integrated.

METHODS

Quantitative studies were reviewed which examined psychological and environmental influences on active travel in an adult population. Studies were classified according to whether they examined psychological, environmental or both types of factor.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were identified which examined psychological correlates of active travel behavior in adults, and 36 which examined environmental correlates. Seven studies were identified which considered both domains, of which only 2 of explored the interactions between personal, social and environmental factors. The majority of the evidence is helpful in identifying correlates rather than determinants of active travel behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

To further our understanding of the influences of active travel, there is a need for more research which integrates both individual and environmental domains and examines how they interact.