LAUSR

PurposeThis study aimed to estimate the prevalence of cycling for commuting and for leisure among Brazilian workers, and analysis possible differences in sociodemographic characteristics between the cycling in commuting and leisure.MethodsIt was performed a secondary analysis of the survey "Lifestyle and leisure habits of industry workers" (n = 47,477) carried out in 24 Brazilian states, from 2006 to 2008. The use of bicycles for commuting to work and as main physical activity in leisure time as well as sociodemographic variables, were self-reported. We performed Poisson regression models.ResultsThere was higher prevalence of cycling for commuting to work (15.7%; 95% CI 15.4%, 16.1%) than for leisure (3.6%; 95% CI 3.4%, 3.7%). Regarding commuting, bicycle use higher in men, younger workers and residents of the North region. Concerning leisure time, the use was greater among men and residents of the Midwest.ConclusionOverall, the prevalence of cycling was higher among workers with less education and lower gross family income. The prevalence of cycling among Brazilian industry workers is low and tends to decrease with increasing education and income, especially in the context of commuting. We suggest that cycling is part of the routine of those who need to use it, not of those who choose to do so.