Vakgroep Menselijke fysiologie (MFYS)

ODespite the well-established health benefits associated with regular physical activity, many young people do not meet the WHO & ACSM recommended level.

Physically active commuting to school (PACS) has important health implications, because it holds the potential of being physically active on a regular basis. As a consequence PACS can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and hypertension, which are among the leading causes of death and diseases. Additionally, cycling is increasingly being promoted as a means to reduce traffic congestion, air and noise pollution and the consumption of fossil fuels. Stimulating cycling or physical activity in general at young age is important as it will increase the probability of being physically active during adulthood.
Unfortunately, the modern traffic system is primarily designed for motorized vehicles and often fails to make provision for other road users. The major barriers for children walking or cycling to school, apart from distance, were parents’ concern for their child’s safety. Reducing injury risks for child pedestrians and cyclists would be an important part of any strategy to promote walking and cycling.
Therefore, the first objective of this research project is to monitor and get insight in minor and major bicycle accidents. A second objective is to record exposure data in order to calculate the incidence rate of bicycle accidents in adolescents. ‘Exposure’ will be defined on the one hand as cycling frequency, time and distance, and on the other hand as different aspects of the built environment (e.g. roundabout, junction,...). In order to be able to collect the exposure as detailed as possible, the exposure data will be collected with travel diaries and GPS trackers.
The findings of this project will be ‘translated’ into recommendations for policy makers and  stakeholders of both federal, regional and local authorities taking into account their respective competences. A additional document will be made for schools, parents, adolescents and children, to advise them on ‘safe cycling to school’.