Health Promotion as a Motivational Factor in Alpine Cycling

Abstract

The present study examines motives for cycling in the alpine region and focuses on the relative importance of health promotion with respect to other motives. Furthermore, the influences of person-specific characteristics on the rank of the motives are examined, and possibilities for advertising bike tourism based on these motives and characteristics are derived. By applying a quantitative approach, a total of 175 cyclists were surveyed using questionnaires on person-specific characteristics, motives, and their relevance for alpine cycling. Data analysis revealed that health promotion is the most important motive for alpine cycling after fun and action as well as nature experience. Further health-related motives such as stress reduction are also perceived as important. The social component, on the other hand, was given the least priority. The results also showed that person-specific characteristics influence the relative importance of motives. For example, elderly persons and people with children perceive the motive of health promotion as the most important. The study shows that the health-promoting effect of alpine cycling is noticed and may be further encouraged. This study demonstrates that alpine cyclists are a heterogeneous group and that health benefits are perceived by various sub-groups therein. Therefore, any marketing for alpine cycling needs to reflect the diversity of cyclists, and approaches need to be adapted according to the respective target group.

Cycling Tourism: A Literature Review to Assess Implications, Multiple Impacts, Vulnerabilities, and Future Perspectives

“…The characteristics of cycling and the related activities derived from it allow the involvement of a segment of populations who, despite their diverse sociological composition, shares similar tastes [47]. Haid et al (2021) indicate significant heterogeneity among mountain-cycle-tourism practitioners in terms of motivation to practice this form of tourism. Thus, e-bike users are less motivated by the criterion of intensive training compared to those who use classic bicycles; older riders and those with children are motivated by health promotion; an overview of the motivations that determine the practice of bicycle tourism in mountain areas includes outdoor sports activities, unique experiences in nature, action and adrenaline, fun with friends and family, and last, but not least, health promotion [48].…”

“…As shown in this paper, by reviewing the literature, the main motivations that determine the choice of a tourism product or destination by cycle tourists differ according to the area analysed, age, culture, consumption habits, etc. If, in the opinion of Yeh et al (2019), the main motivation is the quality of the natural environment [81], Haid et al (2021) consider the promotion of health as the most important reason for a cycling holiday, particularly for elderly people and people with children [48]. Regardless of the motivational scale, cycling has a wide range of benefits: it keeps people fit and improves their health, and helps prevent and combat obesity, cardiovascular diseases, reduces premature mortality [79].…”

Effects of Alpine Natural Health Resources on Human Health and Wellbeing

“…Haid et al [ 21 ] analyzed motives for cycling in the Alpine region and focused on the relative importance of health promotion and the influence of person-specific characteristics on it. Opportunities to advertise cycling tourism were derived from these motifs and characteristics.…”