NCSEM-EM research from Loughborough University academics has identified that older age groups and people who own a car should be considered as key target groups for interventions to increase commuter walking.
Between 9% and 10% of adults in England walk for their daily commute and increasing this proportion is one approach which has the potential to contribute to higher levels of physical activity.
Individuals who were more likely to be commuter walkers were aged under 30, did not have a car, did not have free parking at work, were confident that they could include walking or intended to walk on a regular basis and had support from colleagues.
The study aimed to identify the individual, employment and psychosocial factors which influence commuter walking, which could help researchers and practitioners identify target groups for future interventions.
Individuals were less likely to walk for their commute if they perceived that they lived too far away, thought walking was less convenient than using a car, did not have time to walk, needed a car for work or had always travelled the same way.
The findings came from a baseline survey completed by 1,544 employees as part of the ‘Walking Works’ intervention project.