Environmental and travel preferences of cyclists.

Abstract

The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 provides fiscal support for integrating non-motor transport modes into the existing transportation system in an effort to increase travel efficiency. Current recommendations for designing bicycle facilities are based on experience rather than findings from scientific inquiry. Yet planners may be more successful designing improvements for cycling if they are informed of cyclists' preferences. This study was conducted to pool the opinions of cyclists on a variety of environmental design issues, to determine whether personal characteristics and cycling experience influence cyclists' preferences, evaluations of the travel environment, and decisions to commute or run errands by bicycle. Questionnaires were distributed to 552 cyclists at four recreational bicycle tours in Michigan during the summer of 1992. The survey methodology is noteworthy for its low cost and effectiveness for gathering data from cyclists with a range of personal characteristics and cycling experience. Analysis of variance and correlations were used to investigate relationships of interest. Data on route hilliness were compiled from topographic maps, and compared with cyclists' evaluations of hilliness, in an effort to develop a methodology for use in further research to evaluate acceptable road conditions for cycling, for important aspects of the cycling environment. Cyclists indicated their preferences for various route corridor options, and the importance they place on particular route attributes, such as traffic, surface quality, and scenery, in choosing recreational and commuting cycling routes. Findings from this study show personal characteristics and cycling experience are associated with cyclists' environmental preferences, and preferences are associated with evaluations of cycling conditions and cycling for transportation. Bike lanes are most preferred for recreational and commuting cycling regardless of cyclists' personal characteristics and cycling experience. Experienced cyclists are less sensitive to traffic and hills and they dislike bike paths. Older cyclists are concerned with scenery and surface quality. Differences in preferences and cycling behavior by gender suggest the need for further research on that topic. As expected, cyclists on mountain bikes are less sensitive to poor surface quality. Findings are discussed in light of current recommendations regarding safe cycling practices and bicycle facility design.