Design and baseline description of a cohort of bikeshare users in the city of Philadelphia

Abstract Introduction Launched in 2015, Philadelphia's (Pennsylvania, USA) bikeshare program was the first to specifically target lower-income and minority residents. Objective We describe the design, measures and baseline characteristics of a bikeshare evaluation designed to assess within-person changes in physical activity levels (PA) and focused particularly on persons with lower socio-economic status. Methods 1206 Philadelphians enrolled in the evaluation during 2015–2017 and completed an internet survey. Past 7-day work, transport, and leisure-time PA were collected. Participants were linked to their bikeshare trips in order to objectively assess program use. Results Survey participants were 41% non-White; 33% lower-socio-economic status (‘disadvantaged’); main transportation mode was split between motor vehicle, public transit, and walking; 43% had never been on a personal bicycle in the city; and only 6% primarily traveled via bicycle. After excluding walking, 45% were insufficiently active (lower levels of moderate or vigorous PA based on minimum guidelines). Relative to others, those who were insufficiently active were disproportionately older, female, non-Hispanic Black and disadvantaged. Adjusted baseline results found much higher prevalence of insufficient activity among disadvantaged persons and persons primarily traveling via public transit or motor vehicle (relative to walking or cycling). Conclusions The evaluation successfully enrolled a diverse cohort of new bikeshare members. The two-year evaluation will assess changes in biking and total activity levels, focusing on disadvantaged persons and those with insufficient activity at baseline.