Reasons for urban trail use predict trail-related physical activity

Background: Efforts to increase community levels of physical activity through the development and promotion of multi-use urban trails could be strengthened by information about motivational factors predicting trail use. This study examined whether self-reported reasons for recreational and transportation use of an urban trail were associated with physical activity levels on the trail. Methods: Adults (N = 335) living within a 1-mile buffer zone of one of three urban trails (Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles) completed a self-report measure of trail use. Items assessed reasons for recreational (e.g., physical health, exercise, enjoying nature) and transportation (e.g., avoiding travel hassles, costs, exercise) trail use, mode of trail use (converted into Metabolic Equivalents [METs]), frequency of trail use per week, and duration of trail use per visit (in hours). Results: The full model (including demographic variables and reasons for trail use) explained 11% and 4% of the variation in recreational and transportation trail activity, respectively. Reasons for trail use was a significant predictor of recreational but not transportation activity on the trail. Recreational trail activity (in MET·hours per week) was greater for participants who reported exercise (β = .195, p = .006) and health (β = .134, p = .060) reasons for trail use as compared to other (i.e., social interaction, enjoying nature, walking pets) reasons for recreational trail use. Conclusions: In order to increase levels of recreational physical activity on multi-use urban trails, it may be beneficial for community leaders to emphasize how trails provide opportunities for exercising and improving health.