Joy, Exercise, Enjoyment, Getting out: A Qualitative Study of Older People's Experience of Cycling in Sydney, Australia

Abstract

Introduction. Cycling can be an enjoyable way to meet physical activity recommendations and is suitable for older people; however cycling participation by older Australians is low. This qualitative study explored motivators, enablers, and barriers to cycling among older people through an age-targeted cycling promotion program. Methods. Seventeen adults who aged 50–75 years participated in a 12-week cycling promotion program which included a cycling skills course, mentor, and resource pack. Semistructured interviews at the beginning and end of the program explored motivators, enablers, and barriers to cycling. Results. Fitness and recreation were the primary motivators for cycling. The biggest barrier was fear of cars and traffic, and the cycling skills course was the most important enabler for improving participants' confidence. Reported outcomes from cycling included improved quality of life (better mental health, social benefit, and empowerment) and improved physical health. Conclusions. A simple cycling program increased cycling participation among older people. This work confirms the importance of improving confidence in this age group through a skills course, mentors, and maps and highlights additional strategies for promoting cycling, such as ongoing improvement to infrastructure and advertising.

Satisfaction with transport and enjoyment of the commute by commuting mode in inner Sydney

“…19 A qualitative study of older adults returning to cycling found many reported the 'joy' they experienced when cycling, which clearly is an aspect of enjoyment. 20 That perceptions of the pleasantness of the environment were associated with enjoyment of the commute is consistent with other research identifying that perceptions of environmental factors are positively associated with increased walking. 16 Building pleasant and convenient active travel infrastructure is likely to encourage more active travel, but some disincentives to driving may still be required.…”

Factors Preventing the Use of Alternative Transport Modes to the Car in Later Life

“…This was found to be true especially for short journeys in denser cities or congested urban centers [43,78,87]. Both modes have the characteristic of being a transport option as well as a recreational activity and provide physical exercise, with consequent benefits to health and wellbeing [66,74,78,87]. However, walking and cycling are not always easy activities for older people to undertake.…”

“…Oxley, Corben, Fildes and Charlton [117] highlight the fact that roads are mainly designed for car traffic and driver attitudes fail to acknowledge the rights of other users. Older cyclists report feeling safer on quiet roads or on cycle lanes separated from the road in order to avoid accidents, especially those related to car doors opening [66,74,78,80]. Another reported concern was found to be the lack of respect of road rules, not only from drivers, but also from other cyclists and pedestrians, especially younger ones [74,78].…”

“…Continuity of cycle lanes and footpaths and problems of mutual space invasion between pedestrians and cyclists, and the speed of other cyclists were also found to be of concern [38,58,74,78,80]. Interestingly, the fear of falling off a bicycle was not found to be a safety issue [66].…”

The meaning of confidence for older people living with frailty: a qualitative systematic review

“…28 However, this is discussed predominantly in the literature about skill development, promoting confidence. [29][30][31] Technology's influence in boosting confidence are reported. 22,[32][33][34] Connections to older people are strong, for those living with identifiable frailty is variable.…”