A questionnaire about mode of transport to work was posted to the entire workforce of Oxford Brookes University. Replies were received from 926 people which constituted a 62 per cent return rate: 87 per cent of the sample owned or had access to a car, and 67 per cent owned or had access to a bicycle; 16 per cent usually walked to work, 17 per cent cycled, 2 per cent rode a moped or a motorbike, 8 per cent used public transport, and 57 per cent travelled to work by car (5 per cent as a passenger and 52 per cent as a driver). When those who lived within two miles were asked what would persuade them to walk to work, approximately 60 per cent saw time or distance as the greatest barrier. A change in their personal circumstances such as their childcare responsibilities was nominated by 11 per cent as their most important requirement. Sixteen per cent stated that nothing would persuade them to walk to work. When those who lived within five miles were asked what would persuade them to cycle to work, approximately one third saw distance as the greatest barrier. Only 6 per cent gave less risk of accident as their main reason, and 25 per cent stated that nothing would persuade them to cycle to work. The implications of the results of the survey for employers and others interested in health promotion and environmental awareness are discussed. (A)
Abstract