Objectively Measured Commute Distance: Associations with Actual Travel Modes and Perceptions to Place of Work or Study in Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

Background:Little is known about the relationships between objectively measured commute distance with actual and perceived transport-related physical activity (TPA) engagement.Methods:A telephone survey assessed travel behaviors to place of work/study within an adult sample (n = 772) residing in New Zealand.Results:Overall, 50% of respondents perceived they could, and 10% of the sample actually did, use TPA modes to commute to their occupation for distances less than 5 km. Differences between TPA perceptions and engagement existed for all distance classifications, and prevalence declined as distances increased.Conclusions:Differences between TPA engagement and perceptions were evident. Actual and perceived TPA engagement levels declined as commute distance increased.