Determinants of Bicycle Use among Student Population: Exploratory Research of Social and Infrastructure Factors

Monika Lamot,Marko Renčelj,Lucija Dežan,Kaja Pogačar

doi:10.3390/asi3010006

Monika Lamot, Marko Renčelj + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/asi3010006

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Abstract

By exposing more benefits than shortcomings regarding cycling, this paper focuses on university students as a significant target group that could promote cycling as the main transport mode in cities. The paper addresses a variety of determinants, barriers, and motivation for cycling among the university students within the international context. Furthermore, it exposes the importance of smaller university cities, where students can present a substantial share of the total population. Contextually, we present the research upon the use of bicycles among the students in the university city of Maribor, Slovenia. To examine whether social or infrastructural determinants play a decisive role, a questionnaire was conducted among 382 students. The findings revealed that although the topography of the city and the distances between crucial institutions are, in general, favorable, only 10.7% of students cycle daily, whereby 63.3% do not cycle at all. There were no statistical differences noticed between the impact of infrastructural and social factors; convenience was exposed as a statistically significant determinant, whereas the sustainability aspect proved to be an insignificant factor for students cycling. To conclude, cycling among the student population in smaller cities can represent a common case of potentially high impact of student population regarding sustainable mobility.

Highlights

The general interest in cycling has grown in recent years [1,2], its share across countries still varies significantly [3]
By exposing more benefits than shortcomings regarding cycling, this paper focuses on university students as a significant target group that could promote cycling as the main transport mode in cities
By exposing more benefits than shortcomings, we focus on university students as a significant target group that could use and promote cycling as the main transport mode in cities

Summary

Introduction

The general interest in cycling has grown in recent years [1,2], its share across countries still varies significantly [3]. At the same time, such agendas state multiple positive impacts related to personal mobility, such as lowering the carbon footprint of the city and reinforcing the principles of a sustainable lifestyle [3,4]. Factors such as reduction of expenses, time-saving, and health benefits [2] promote cycling [1]. By exposing more benefits than shortcomings, we focus on university students as a significant target group that could use and promote cycling as the main transport mode in cities (as opposed to the use of personal motorized vehicles). As young and presumably healthy adults, students have the physical capacity to cycle; allegedly, they should have more knowledge, motivation, and awareness about sustainability issues. Students should be considered as relevant forerunners for cycling in cities, but how does this look in practice?

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Discussion

Conclusion