Results: A total of 21 studies met the inclusion criteria, all of which were
observational studies. Eleven studies identified objectively measured environmental factors with a
significant positive association with cycling. The environmental factors identified as being positively
associated with cycling included presence of dedicated cycle routes or paths, separation of cycling
from other traffic, high population density, short trip distance, proximity of a cycle path or green
space and for children projects promoting ‘safe routes to school’. Negative environmental factors
were perceived and objective traffic danger, long trip distance, steep inclines and distance from
cycle paths. Of the seven studies which focused primarily on the impact of cycle routes, four
demonstrated a statistically significant positive association. Conclusion: Although the study identified
environmental factors with positive and negative associations with cycling behaviour, many other types
of environmental policies and interventions have yet to be rigorously evaluated. Policies promoting
cycle lane construction appear promising but the socio-demographic distribution of their effects on
physical activity is unclear. The wider impact of active transport policies on health and inequalities across
Europe must be explored.