Increasing Interest in Bicycling Among Adolescents Through Physical Education

Mini-Oral Presentation C3.14

Authors

  • Esther Walker Outride
  • Lauren Freeman Outride

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.788

Keywords:

Adolescents, Bicycling, Physical Education

Abstract

Background: Physical education (PE) class is an important setting for engaging adolescents in physical activity. Identifying activities students enjoy is critical for preparing students for a physically active lifestyle. Purpose: To understand adolescents’ experience with bicycling programming during PE class. Methods: Students from a sample of schools participating in Outride’s 6 week Riding for Focus PE unit completed pre and post Spring 2021 unit surveys (1268 middle school students across 20 schools in the United States; 40% female). Students were asked to report their experience with bicycling and the Riding for Focus PE unit as well as feelings of well-being (WHO-5). Results: 91% of students reported being at least a little interested in continuing to ride outside of school. Students were most interested in bicycling with friends and least interested in bicycling to school. Program enjoyment was associated with bicycling experience (p< .001), but not gender (p = .83) or weekly physical activity levels (p = .47). Riding preferences were modulated by gender. Conclusions: Bicycling during physical education engages students in a safe and enjoyable activity, particularly for students who may not typically enjoy PE class. Students who have never ridden a bike may need extra support and encouragement from teachers and peers. Schools implementing the program should use the opportunity to work with their wider community to support increased student interest in bicycling and promote riding with friends to school. Funding: Study supported by Outride.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Walker, E., & Freeman, L. (2021). Increasing Interest in Bicycling Among Adolescents Through Physical Education: Mini-Oral Presentation C3.14. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.788