Identifying the potential for increasing cycling in Denmark: Factors associated with short-distance and long-distance commuter cycling

Introduction Increasing transportation cycling is an effective initiative toward better population health. The aim was to describe differences between less and more frequent cyclists, and to identify factors associated with transportation cycling for people with short and long distances to work or education. Methods The study is based on data from approximately 46,000 respondents from a Danish cross-sectional survey conducted in 2020. The survey included questions on active transportation, barriers, and social background. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed for two groups of less and more frequent cyclists: short distance (1–5 km) and long distance (6–15 km). Results Overall, 49.3% of those living within a short distance and 73.0% of those living within a long distance cycled two or fewer days a week to work or education. The odds of cycling more often were significantly higher for individuals aged 15–29, women, higher-educated people, students, people with Danish ethnicity, those with daily access to a bike, people living with children, and those in the municipality area. The odds of cycling more often were significantly lower for people who identified time, physical appearance, safety issues, capabilities, and a preference for car driving as barriers to more active transportation. Conclusions This study shows that there are geographical differences within Denmark that affect cycling Rates, despite the country being categorized as a cycling nation. People living in rural areas are less likely to cycle to work or education despite having the same commuting distances as people living in the cities. This is surprising and should be further investigated to identify potential infrastructural, cultural, or interpersonal factors that may promote more commuter cycling among people living in rural areas.