Associations of active travel with neighborhood characteristics, self-selection, and commute mode: a case study of Xi’an, China

Active travel (AT) is a potentially crucial source of physical activity. However, relatively few studies have comprehensively analyzed the complex associations of AT metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes with commute mode, neighborhood characteristics, and self-selection, and no consensus exists on these associations. On the basis of questionnaire survey data obtained from Xi’an, China, multilevel models of AT MET minutes were developed in this study. AT MET minutes exhibited strong associations with commuting by transit and walking. Compared with commuting by car, those who commuted by bus had 9.6% and 22.1% more total and walking AT MET minutes per week, respectively. Perceived neighborhood attributes related to the availability of public transit, a low level of car traffic, walkability, and suitable bicycle routes had significant positive associations with residents’ AT MET minutes. Moreover, metro proximity had significant positive associations with residents’ total, walking, and cycling AT MET minutes per week.