Differences in the social patterning of active travel between urban and rural populations: findings from a large UK household survey

Summary

Objectives
To determine the
social patterning of active travel of short journeys for urban and rural
residents in a large UK representative sample.

Methods
Associations between
frequently walking or cycling short journeys and socio-demographic
factors in the UK Household Longitudinal Study were determined using
logistic regression.

Results
Urban residents were
64 % more likely to frequently engage in active travel than rural
residents (95 % CI 1.52, 1.77). Being younger, male, without full-time
employment and having a lower income independently predicted greater
active travel for both urban and rural residents. Degree level education
and not having children were independent predictors for urban, but not
rural residents.

Conclusions
Actively travelling
short journeys is less common and independently associated with
fewer socio-demographic factors in rural than in urban populations.