Outride Receives REI Cooperative Action Fund Grant
Outride’s Research and Evaluation Team, Dr. Esther Walker & Lauren Schuck
Photo from Silver Stallion Bicycle and Coffee Works - Shaun Price
Outride is thrilled to announce we have received a grant from the REI Cooperative Action Fund to pursue research aimed at further understanding the relationship between access to nature, cycling, and youth mental health.
The project is led by Dr. Esther Walker and Lauren Schuck of Outride’s research and evaluation team, alongside Dr. Sean Wilson of Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Dr. Seth Wiafe of Loma Linda University School of Public Health, and Dr. Cian Brown of the University of Oklahoma. “We are thankful for the REI Fund’s support of this project as we deepen our research on the connection between cycling, access to nature, and mental well-being, and are excited to help put this research into practice,” said Dr. Walker.
“With our youth population seeing increasing rates of poor mental health and lack of time spent outside, we aim to understand nature and cycling’s role in boosting mood and improving mental health,” said Schuck, emphasizing the significance of the project. Specifically, the research will examine student survey data from Outride’s Riding for Focus program to understand how youth mental health may be impacted by access to nature across geographic regions in the United States. Dr. Wiafe will use geographic information systems (GIS) to conduct a comparative analysis that will provide insight on the link between access to the outdoors and wellbeing. Already, Outride’s research has suggested cycling can be a powerful tool to improve mental wellbeing and mood, finding that youth who ride regularly (at least one time a week) report 24% higher levels of mental wellbeing than youth who do not ride. Other researchers have found that individuals who cycled regularly reported 22% fewer days of poor mental health than individuals who did not exercise.
Further understanding cycling’s role in the context of how riding in an urban setting, versus rural or suburban settings may also shed light on some of the beneficial outcomes that accompany cycling. There is a strong breadth of literature pointing to the importance of nature for mental wellbeing, with doctors now prescribing time outside to improve mental health outcomes. Additionally, research has shown that recreating near green and blue spaces in nature is associated with increased positive wellbeing and decreased mental distress. We are excited to better understand how cycling and being outdoors combine to elevate mental wellbeing.
From left to right: Dr. Cian Brown, Dr. Sean Wilson, Dr. Seth Wiafe
The grant also underscores the shared goal of the organizations to disseminate findings around the topic of access to the outdoors and cycling as a tool to support mental health. Access to nature is a Social Determinant of Health — meaning it can impact population health outcomes. However, a study found that only 24% of youth have access to a park in their neighborhood. We hope the research will be useful for advocates working to increase access to nature and safe places to ride, especially in underserved, low income communities. Further, the work will help “inform policies that transform public spaces to foster increased engagement and enhance overall well-being,” added Dr. Brown.
Beyond academic initiatives, the research team also holds personal connections to the project. “As a lifelong cyclist and youth cycling coach, I’m eager to explore how cycling can enhance well-being, particularly among adolescents,” Dr. Wilson said.
about the research Team
Dr. Sean Wilson, Professor, Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Research Area(s): Epigenetic mechanisms associated with stress; the impact of exercise on adolescent wellbeing
“I am excited to collaborate with Outride to better understand the importance of adolescent access to greenspace and safe spaces to ride for their mental health and wellness.”
Dr. Seth Wiafe, Assistant Professor, Loma Linda University School of Public Health
Research Area(s): Application of geospatial technologies and development of GIS-based methods for enhancing population health science
“With the goal of promoting holistic student development, I am excited to work on this project as it offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of environmental access and student well-being.”
Dr. Cian Brown, Assistant Professor, The University of Oklahoma College of Education
Research Area(s): Educational Psychology, Professional Counseling
“I am thrilled to be involved with this project because it exemplifies the collaborative partnerships between community and university members who share a profound commitment to promoting the holistic health and wellness of the community through their collective passion and expertise.”
Dr. Esther Walker, Senior Research Manager, Outride
Research Area(s): Impact of cycling on social, emotional, and cognitive health
“This is an exciting opportunity to work with an amazing multi-disciplinary team to better understand the relationship between cycling, access to nature, and mental wellbeing. We can’t wait to share and learn from the results with you all.”
Lauren Schuck, Research Specialist, Outride
Research Area(s): Impact of cycling on social, emotional, and cognitive health
“Researching the question of whether access to nature impacts mental well-being is very important to me as it combines two of my favorite tools for boosting my personal well-being: being in nature and physical activity. I am curious to further understand the impact of access to nature on well-being outcomes.”
Interested in getting involved?
Contact research@outridebike.org for more information on Outride’s research initiatives.
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About the REI Cooperative Action Fund
The REI Cooperative Action Fund brings together the collective strength of the outdoor community to support organizations that advance inclusivity, access, and belonging outdoors. The Fund announces new investments each spring and fall to provide unrestricted funding to nonprofit partners across three specific areas: connecting people outside, creating space outside, and centering health outside. Learn more here!