Commuting Habits and the Use of Bikes by Bachelor's Students. A Pilot Study

Abstract: Introduction: The present study investigates mobility habits and bicycle usage among high school students at IES Francisco Ros Giner. Aim: It examines the prevalence of bicycles as a mode of transportation, as well as the factors influencing the choice of this mode of mobility. Methods: A survey was conducted on a representative sample of 32 high school students (14 males, 18 females) from the institute, addressing topics such as the frequency, purpose, and previous experiences of bicycle usage, perceived barriers, and incentives for its use. Results & discussion: The results obtained are alarming in terms of students' physical activity and mobility habits, since 88% do not meet the minimum physical activity recommendations. Fifty-seven percent of the respondents commute to school by car or public transportation, while only one student commutes by bicycle. Although 75% of those surveyed indicated that they did not use bicycles, 48% stated that, if specific content on cycling were taught in class, they would increase their bicycle commuting, reducing the number of people who would use the car to go to school. Conclusions: Therefore, it is proposed to incorporate cycling and bicycle usage as content in Physical Education sessions to attempt to modify mobility habits among young people.