Environmental and travel preferences of cyclists: Antonakos, Cathy L., Ph.D. The University of Michigan, 1993. 154 pp. Chair: John Nystuen

Abstract

Current recommendations for designing bicycle facilities are most often based on experience rather than on findings from scientific inquiry. This study pools cyclists' opinions on environmental design issues, substantiating experts' knowledge about designs for cycling environments. The study examines the influence of personal characteristics, travel resources, and travel constraints on cyclists' environmental preferences, evaluations of cycling conditions, and decisions to bicycle for transportation. Questionnaires were distributed to 552 cyclists at four recreational bicycle tours in Michigan during the summer of 1992. Analysis of variance and correlations were used to investigate relationships of interest. Cyclists indicated their preferences for different types of cycling facilities and the importance that they placed on environmental factors such as traffic volume and surface quality when choosing cycling routes. Age was positively correlated with preference for on-road facilities (striped bike lanes, wide curb lanes), with importance placed on surface quality, scenery, and bike safety education. Age was negatively correlated with preference for bike paths separated from the roadway. Safety, scenery, terrain, and bike safety education were more important to women on average than to men. As expected, cycling experience was negatively correlated with preference for off-road facilities and concerns about safety, traffic, and terrain. Bike safety education was rated almost as high as the need for bike lanes, to improve community cycling conditions. Thirty-two percent of the cyclists surveyed commute by bicycle; 68 percent run errands by bicycle. Commute distance was strongly associated with the likelihood and frequency of commuting by bicycle.