From Cars to Bikes - the Feasibility and Effect of Bicycling for Transportation Among Parents of Toddlers

There is a need for a greater understanding of e-bikes and their role in the transportation network, and further effects on physical activity (PA) levels and health. Moreover, longtail bikes could meet certain practical needs not sufficiently fulfilled by e-bikes or traditional bikes, hence increased knowledge regarding their potential and feasibility should be obtained. No intervention study has investigated whether providing an e-bike or a longtail bike over an extended period in a sample of inactive parents of toddlers influence objectively assessed amount of cycling, total PA level, potential mode shifts, and effect on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and blood pressure. Objectives: To assess the effect of an intervention where participants have access to an e-bike (including a trailer), a longtail bike and a traditional bike (including a trailer) on the following parameters: 1. Objectively assessed amount of biking, total levels of PA, and mode shifts from car/motorized modes to bicycle. 2. Cardiorespiratory fitness, blood pressure, body composition, self-reported health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). 3. Experiences with bicycling (el/longtail/traditional) and intrinsic motivation for bicycling. 4. How season and weather conditions influence the amount of bicycling (el/longtail/traditional). Study sample: A convenience sample consisting of 36 inactive parents of toddlers will be recruited among residents in Kristiansand municipality, Southern Norway. Measures: The following measures will be conducted: 1. A web-based questionnaire will assess socio-demographics (at baseline only), transportation habits, self-perceived health and HRQoL, and motivation for bicycling for transportation. For the intervention group: at baseline and post all intervention arms, i.e. four times. For the control group: at baseline and after 9 months, i.e. two times. 2. Cycling time and distance will be assessed through usage of a cycle computer throughout