Cycling, Mobility and Safety in Older People

2020–2021

The project aims to develop a better understanding of the cycling experience of older Australians, aged 50 years and over. The focus will be on factors that shape this experience and how cycling impacts independent mobility. The study will also examine the circumstances and outcomes of cycling crashes and identify countermeasures to improve cycling safety in this group. The objectives of the research are to:

  • Examine older cyclists’ views on mobility and how cycling plays a role, particularly in relation to other methods of travel, including cars and public transport.
  • Identify individual and social factors, aspects of the built environment and technology that shape the cycling experience in older Australians.
  • Investigate circumstances and injury outcomes of cycling crashes in older people.
  • Identify strategies, including education, environmental and regulatory changes, to support cycling as a viable, safe and enjoyable mobility option for older people.

This project is led by Dr Soufiane Boufous (UNSW) and is funded by a UNSW Ageing Futures Institute Grant.

Relevant publications

  • Shah, S., Chen, Y., Owen, A., Woods, R., Ryan, J., Owen, N., Wolfe, R., Dunstan, D., Beck, B., Britt, C., & others. (2024). Walking for transport and all-cause mortality: A prospective cohort study of Australian community-dwelling older adults. BMJ Public Health, 2(1). doi: 10.1136/bmjph-2023-000709
  • Boufous, S., Beck, B., Macniven, R., Pettit, C., & Ivers, R. (2021). Facilitators and barriers to cycling in older residents of New South Wales, Australia. Journal of Transport & Health, 21, 101056. doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2021.101056