Utah Active Transportation Increases

Since the onset of COVID-19, Utah has seen a significant increase in the number of people participating in active transportation. Strava data provided by Utah DOT and Strava Metro found a 103.5% increase in total bicycle trips taken from February - March 2020 and a 111.3% increase in total trips taken from March - April 2020. This data portrays a small portion of Utahns (Strava users) but represents the overall trend of increasing outdoor activity.   

Research has found that increasing outdoor activity levels positively affects mental health. A 2019 systematic review compiled by researchers at the University of Utah found a “positive association between nature-based recreation and mental health, including improvements in affect, cognition, restoration, and well-being, and decreases in anxiety and depression symptoms.”

As long as social distancing is observed and people follow the rules of the road and trail, outdoor activity can help lead to a happier, healthier Utah. The benefits of outdoor recreation prove the need for natural facilities, as more Utahns are relying on these to help with physical and mental health during the pandemic. 

We want to hear from you! Have you been riding more or less? Riding in new places or your same favorites? And, have you noticed particular areas where safe infrastructure and/or access could be improved? Email us details to info@bikeutah.org.

Systematic review info: N. Qwynne Lackey, Deborah A. Tysor, G. David McNay, Leah Joyner, Kensey H. Baker & Camilla Hodge (2019) Mental health benefits of nature-based recreation: a systematic review, Annals of Leisure Research, DOI: 10.1080/11745398.2019.1655459