Prevalence and factors associated with walking and bicycling for transport among young adults in two low-income localities of Bogotá, Colombia

Background: Utilitarian physical activity confers health benefits, but little is known about experiences in developing countries. The objective was to examine the prevalence and factors associated with walking and bicycling for transport in adults from Bogotá. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 1464 adults age 18 to 29 y during the year 2002. Results: 16.7% reported bicycling for at least 10 min during the last week and 71.7% reported walking for at least 90 min during the last week. Bicycling was more likely among adults living in Tunjuelito (flat terrain), who use the “ciclovía” (car-roads for recreational bicycling on holidays/ Sundays) or reporting physical activity during leisure-time and less likely among women, or adults with college education. Walking was more likely among adults reporting physical activity during leisure time and less likely among housewives/ househusbands or those living in Tunjuelito. Conclusion: Programs that promote walking or bicycling in Bogotá should consider differences in individual and environmental factors.