Title

Evaluation of the Kenton Hardin County Family Bike Program

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Problem: With growing evidence of the benefits of physical activity and risks associated with physical inactivity, there has been increased focus on implementation of policy, standards, and evidence-based interventions to promote physical activity of Americans. In response to Hardin County physical activity statistics, national health goals, and as part of the Ohio Maternal Child Health (MCH) activity/nutrition grant, an innovative family bike program was developed and implemented in Summer 2018. Providing education and practice on safe biking, bike maintenance, and nutrition as well as providing safe bike equipment may decrease barriers to biking and increase rates of bicycling and, subsequently, physical activity among participants.Aims: The purpose of this scholarly project was to evaluate the effect of the Kenton Hardin County Family Bike Program (KHCFBP) on the participants’ bike safety knowledge, bike helmet use, bike riding, and physical activity. Methods: This evaluation project was a descriptive, correlational design of pre-existing, de-identified data and part of a larger program evaluation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health (CDC, 1999) provided the framework for this study. The sample for this scholarly project included all participants (July, n = 30; August, n = 22) who completed the KHCFBP. Measurable outcomes of the program were change in bike riding frequency, walking frequency, bike helmet use, and bike safety knowledge following participation in the KHCFBP. Pertinent Findings: Both July and August participants’ reported bike helmet use and total bike riding hours significantly increased following the KHCFBP. Participant bike safety knowledge and total physical activity hours increased following the KHCFBP. July participants’ bike safety knowledge and total physical activity hours significantly increased.Conclusion: This scholarly project provides evidence that community bike programs may be used as an intervention to increase participant bike safety knowledge, bike helmet use, and biking frequency. It suggests community bike programs may be one method to increase physical activity via biking, reduce risks association with biking, and reduce barriers to biking. Public health nurses should consider implementing a family bike program as a strategy to promote biking and physical activity within the community.

Publication Date

1-1-2020

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