RIDE ME Campaign: Physical Activity Promotion and Intervention at an Urban University

Background: Amid an obesity epidemic and despite research supporting the benefit of regular physical activity, exercise is not a top priority for maintaining health among U.S. adults. Research shows a steady decline in physical activity patterns from high school to adulthood, including, an estimated 40 – 50% of young adults in college who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Methods: The "RIDE ME" Campaign student-volunteer team will participate in training for implementing, marketing, educating and running the free campus-based bicycling service. After a 2-month pilot run of the service, the campaign will allow students to ‘check out’ bicycles and safety equipment on a daily or weekly basis. Participants may opt-in the “RIDE ME” online membership for student-specific health education literature, milestone-check-ins and forums. Participants will be randomly surveyed for pre and post physical activity levels, as well as, assessment of the “RIDE ME” Campaign’s effectiveness.

Results: Using positive branding (fun), interactivity and readily available health information tools and equipment, we hope to show improvement in attitude, knowledge and behaviors surrounding physical activity. Additionally, we seek to show increased fitness patterns among otherwise sedentary students compared to non-enrolled students.

Conclusion: Practical outcomes for enrollees of the “RIDE ME” Campaign include: visualizing campus as a supportive activity-friendly environment for promoting healthier lifestyle choices, individual improvement in mind, body and spirit and adoption of long-term behavioral lifestyle changes, such as, improved food choices and participation in routine physical activities. As a consequence, other students and surrounding community members may be encouraged to engage in similar activities modeled by participants.