Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(approximately 32%), followed by Denmark, Hungary and Sweden. Other
countries where bicycles are the main transportation mode include Germany,
Belgium, Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Latvia (European
Cyclists' Federation, 2013b). Many regions and countries are tapping into
this growing trend and providing sign-posted routes and guides for recre-
ational cyclists, particularly on disused railway lines, forest paths and canal
towpaths (Cyclists' Touring Club, 1985).
Between 2006 and 2011, cross-country skiing activity increased by 12.2%
(Outdoor Foundation, 2012), and there has been a notable increase in water-
based sports, including kayaking and white-water rafting, since the 1980s
and 1990s (Lengfelder & Timothy, 2000) (Table 4.3). This is reflective of the
growth in number and popularity of winter and water trails as well. The
good news for the water trails subsector is that between 2010 and 2011 rec-
reational kayaking saw the largest increase of all outdoor activities, with a
growth of some 27% in one year and 32% over the previous three years
(Outdoor Foundation, 2012).
With respect to research in the UK on active sports and free-time activi-
ties, the availability of data is somewhat disappointing. In Table 4.4, sport
and exercise is recorded alongside other non-recreational activities performed
Table 4.3
Trends in demand for trail-type water activities, 2006-2011 (in thousands)
Activity (participation)
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Canoeing
9154
9797
9935
10,058
10,553
9787
Recreational kayaking
4134
5070
6240
6212
6465
8229
Sea/tour kayaking
1136
1485
1780
1771
2144
2029
Source: Compiled from Outdoor Foundation (2012).
Table 4.4
Selected activities in England performed in free time by age, 2007-2008
Activity
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-64
65
+
All aged 16
and over
Watching television
82
83
84
85
89
85
Spending time with
friends/family
83
84
82
79
76
80
Listening to music
83
74
72
70
65
72
Shopping
69
67
65
64
67
66
Reading
47
60
63
71
74
65
Days out
50
63
66
65
58
61
Sport/exercise
59
58
57
51
34
51
Gardening
12
32
48
61
61
47
Source: Compiled from Department for Culture, Media and Sport (2010).
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