Feasible Appraisal of Walking/Cycling to Replace Weight Control Program: An Example of Taiwan

Abstract

This study probes into the promotion policy for improving the willingness of students to walk or cycle to school. The intentions of elementary and junior high school students as well as their parents in selected schools in Tainan, Taiwan were surveyed. The feasibility of reducing BMI through walking/cycling to school is evaluated through a System Dynamic (SD) model which is capable of calculating the calories consumed, accumulated, and the effect of walking/cycling on BMI. With practical data to show weight control effect, the model shows that weight control program can be replaced effectively by walking to and from school. In addition, to promote walking/cycling to school, tree planting on wayside and adding the pathways and bicycle lanes are the desired conditions for walking and cycling respectively.