Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Health is important to Canadians. Most Canadians do not meet physical activity guidelines. Improving physical activity can improve mental and physical health. Increasing physical activity by a small amount per day has the biggest health impact. My research focuses on how protected bike lanes effect physical activity levels. Protected bike lanes are separated from traffic by a curb. The goal is for everybody to feel safe riding their bike and being active. My research is interested in how protected bike lanes influence active transportation levels. Active transportation occurs when you walk or bike from place to place. I believe that people who travel by bike lanes more often will have higher levels of physical activity. To answer my research question, participants completed an online survey and used an app on their phone to measure their location and physical activity. My research is important for all Canadians because bike lanes make it easier for people to be active. The results from this study have the potential to influence other bike lane projects across the country.