Relationship between eye-level greenness and cycling frequency around metro stations in Shenzhen, China: A big data approach

Abstract

Better bicycle-transit integration improves the efficiency and sustainability of public transportation systems in urban areas. Urban greenness around metro stations may affect the use of cycling to or from metro stations. However, the evidence for the association between urban greenness and cycling behaviors is inconclusive. In addition, few studies have been conducted in developing countries, such as China, which enjoyed the reputation of cycling nation until the late 1990s and witness a big comeback of cycling in the last several years. This study aimed to explore the relationship between eye-level greenness and cycling behaviors around metro stations in Shenzhen, China, based on free-floating bicycle data and street-view image data. The results indicate that eye-level greenness was positively associated with cycling frequency on weekdays and on weekends within three buffer sizes around metro stations (500-m, 1000-m, and 1500-m). The effect of eye-level greenness on cycling frequency was greater on weekends than on weekdays. Our findings suggest that providing sufficient and visible greenery along streets and cycling lanes around metro stations may promote cycling use and bicycle-transit integration.