Mass community cycling events: Who participates and is their behaviour influenced by participation?
2006

Impact of Mass Cycling Events on Participation

Sample size: 918 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Heather R Bowles, Chris Rissel, Adrian Bauman

Primary Institution: Centre for Physical Activity and Health, University of Sydney

Hypothesis

Does participation in mass cycling events influence cycling behavior among participants?

Conclusion

Participants who were novice riders or first-time participants significantly increased their number of bicycle rides in the month after the event.

Supporting Evidence

  • Half of the participants who rated their cycling ability low at baseline rated themselves as high a month after the event.
  • First-time participants increased their average number of bicycle rides from 7.2 pre-event to 8.9 post-event.
  • The study included a sample of 918 respondents who completed both pre-event and post-event surveys.

Takeaway

People who tried cycling for the first time in a big event ended up riding their bikes more often afterward.

Methodology

Participants completed pre-event and post-event surveys about their cycling ability and activity levels.

Potential Biases

The lower response rate of the follow-up survey may indicate that only the most positive participants responded.

Limitations

The small number of low active participants limited comprehensive analysis, and reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias.

Participant Demographics

Participants were predominantly male (72%), with 83% rating themselves as competent or regular cyclists.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < .0001

Statistical Significance

p < .0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1479-5868-3-39

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication