A Comparison of Habits and Perceptions Towards Cycling in Warsaw

Abstract

Background Cycling in urban environments is seen as an activity providing many environmental, social and health benefits. There is potential for significant mode shifts towards cycling in many cities, and a better understanding of enabling factors and barriers could help guide more targeted cycle-promoting policies. Eastern-European cities such as Warsaw in particular tend to have low cycling rates and to be under-studied with regards to active travel behaviour. Methods We investigated travel mode choices and perceptions of cycling through surveys administered to two groups of adult population in Warsaw between December 2012 and January 2013. One was a paper and pencil survey of a representative random sample of citizens (“random” sample), while the other was an online survey of respondents who had cycled at least once in the past 6 months (“cyclists” sample). In both surveys, respondents were classified according to their behaviour in the past 6 months as either non-cyclists (did not cycle, for random sample only) utilitarian cyclists (cycled for transport) and recreational cyclists (cycled for recreation). Socio-demographics, travel habits and perceptions of cycling were compared across the categories using the χ2 test or fisher exact test, means using one-way ANOVA and medians using the Kruskal Wallis test. Results The “cyclist” sample (N=505) consisted of 41% recreational cyclists, and 59% utilitarian cyclist (of which 84% were also recreational). Utilitarian cyclists cycled on average 35 minutes per week more than recreational cyclists. They were more likely to perceive more benefits such as rapidity and sense of freedom, while recreational cyclists were more concerned about weather conditions. In the random sample (N=563), there were 46% non-cyclist, 37% recreational, and 15% utilitarian (of which 97% were also recreational) cyclists. The results show that, in general, cyclists tended to perceive less fear of being injured, saw cycling as being cheaper and faster than other modes, believed they had the time and resources needed for bicycle maintenance, felt a sense of freedom and observed to be faster when using bike. In addition, cyclists perceived the lack of cycle lane as less of a barrier to cycling than non-cyclists. Conclusions Cycling is more typically a recreational rather than a utilitarian activity in Warsaw. People who cycle at least occasionally tend to perceive more benefits and fewer barriers to cycling than non-cyclists, and cycling for travel enhances further these beliefs. Improving infrastructure but also making benefits of cycling more salient may increase cycling rates in Warsaw.