Effects of the Mexico City´s ECOBICI Program on Health Indicators and Physical Activity Levels

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are one of the main causes of death in the world and in Mexico. According to the 2016 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT), 9.4% has previously diagnosed diabetes and the prevalence of overweight and obesity is 71.2% in adults. Among the main risk factors for the development of these diseases are an unbalanced diet, physical inactivity and sedentarism.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), accumulating at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-vigorous physical activity either during occupational, home, leisure time and transportation for at least 10 continuous minutes could result multiple benefits, such as the reduction of seven types of NCDs including DM2 and obesity. It has been observed that cycling, compared to other activities during leisure time, appears to be an efficient form of daily exercise and feasible to increase physical activity levels even in the most physically inactive individuals.

According to a cross-sectional study in 14 countries including the United States, it was observed that adults who commuted by bicycle had a lower risk of DM2 and obesity. Additionally, results from randomized controlled studies have shown that cycling may help reducing body fat and increase maximal oxygen consumption. However, some factors, such as the lack of attractive bike paths and the lack of safe spaces, may reduce this pattern.

The shared bicycle program has been implemented in more than 30 countries including Mexico. Among the main objectives of this program - in addition to integrating the bicycle as a form of active transportation - includes the design of a new infrastructure to offer safety and comfort to cyclists. This type of program has been evaluated in different countries. Results show that the combination of interventions, that is, the construction of bicycle facilities and the shared bicycle programs increased trips in Barcelona and Paris. In Barcelona, it was observed that this program increased the quality of life and decreased air and noise pollution. In Montreal, this program was found to attract young people and people within the highest socioeconomic status. In Valencia, Spain, it was reported that the bicycle system increased energy expenditure by 257 METs / min / week and helped reducing 2kg. of body weight in a school year. In Japan, pedaling for 30 minutes to work was found to have an effect on mental health. Finally, in the United States, it was observed that those who use active transportation to go to work have a lower probability of obesity, elevated triglyceride levels, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting glucose.

The ECOBICI program is a shared bicycle system within Mexico City. Since 2010, this program has been managed by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Mobility, initially operating with 1,200 bicycles and 84 bicycle stations around Mexico City. It currently belongs to the Comprehensive Mobility Program 2018-2024, aiming at the accessibility of the population in the use of bicycles, promoting their use as an air pollution free transport. This program has been awarded within the urban public transport area, for improving air quality and for seeking a change in society.