Assessing the physical environment related to cycling and walking

Background: Walking and cycling are accessible and inexpensive forms of physical activity, which can be easily integrated in daily routines of life. Socio-ecological models are used to study the influencing factors of these behaviors, and highlight the importance of physical environmental elements, in combination with the individual and psychosocial elements. However, assessing the physical environment remains challenging. Purpose: To give an overview of methods that can be used to assess the physical environment in relation with walking and cycling. Approach: Both objective (e.g. audit tools, geographic information systems and global positioning systems) and subjective (e.g. questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, photo-voice, walk- and bike-along interviews and photographs) measurement methods are discussed. These measurement tools and their applications, advantages and limitations are discussed. Findings: From this chapter, it can be concluded that there are a number of instruments which can be used to assess the physical environment. At this moment, there is no method that can be considered as the gold standard. Depending on the aim of the study and the recourses available, one specific method or a combination of methods will be most appropriate. Implications: Practitioners, researchers and policy makers are informed about the possibilities on how to assess the physical environment, and more importantly, this will ensure that there is more insight on how the physical environmental should be created, in order that people will be more involved in walking and cycling for transport.

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