Personal and behavioral factors associated with bicycling in adults from Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil.

Bicycling is an important form of physical activity that can promote health benefits. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between personal and behavioral aspects in transportation bicycling and leisure time bicycling in adults. Data was drawn from a household survey involving 677 adults (53.1% female) in Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil. The prevalence of bicycling was 11.2% for transportation and 16.7% for leisure. The frequency of leisure time bicycling was higher among men (PR = 2.08; p < 0.001), young people < 30 and adults aged between 30 and 39.9, bicycle owners (PR = 8.76; p < 0.001) and among the physically active. Transportation bicycling occurred more frequently among men (PR = 3.63; p < 0.001), individuals aged 30 to 39.9, those with a low socioeconomic status (PR = 5.00; p = 0.006), bicycle owners (PR = 10.2; p < 0.001) and individuals with a negative perception of their quality of life. The prevalence of bicycling is low in Curitiba considering its potential as a means of physical activity. Personal and behavioral factors were associated with each form of bicycling.