Abstract
This study examined whether interactions between travel mode attitudes, urbanization level, and socio-demographics were different for bicycle commuting and cycling for other purposes. Data were obtained from the 2014 wave of the Netherlands mobility panel (MPN). In total, 2673 respondents (18 + years) who had recorded at least one trip on the days covered by the survey were included in the sample. Four outcomes were constructed, two of which concerned commuting-related cycling: any commuting-related bicycle usage (yes vs. no) and average cycling duration (in hours per weekday). Likewise, two similar outcome variables concerning cycling for other proposes were constructed. These outcomes were analyzed by means of Tobit regression models (cycling duration) and binary logistic models (any bicycle usage). Attitudinal factors concerning different travel modes, namely bus, car, cycling, and train, were constructed by means of factor analysis. The results showed that a positive attitude toward cycling was positively related to bicycle commuting duration, but this association was less strong among those with a positive attitude toward bus use. Having a positive cycling attitude had a weaker association with both bicycle commuting usage and duration in those who do not always have a car available. Regarding cycling for other purposes, cycling attitude had a stronger positive association with cycling duration among residents of very highly urbanized area, compared to residents of less urbanized areas. The available evidence, though limited, suggests that targeting attitudes can have a measurable impact on bicycling, but not to the same extend among all people.
Highlights
Cycling, a clean and active transportation mode has become an increasingly important component of strategies to address issues of public health, climate change, air quality, and inner-city mobility (Oja et al 2011; de Nazelle et al 2011; Handy et al 2014)
About 21.8% of the total sample engaged in bicycle commuting, while 38.3% of respondents reported cycling for other purposes
Women made up 54.2% of the total sample but accounted for 59.8% of all individuals who reported any bicycle commuting and for 62.8% of all individuals who reported cycling for other purposes
Summary
Many studies have focused on elements of the built environment as determinants of cycling behavior, it has been reported that travel-related attitudes may be or more important in increasing the use of bicycles (Heinen et al 2011; Willis et al 2015; Curto et al 2016; Dill et al 2014). Ewing and Cervero (2010) conducted a meta-analysis of 62 studies on the built environment- travel behavior relation and identified only nine of them that include “attitudinal variables” in predicting walking and cycling behavior. These studies consistently reported significant relationships between attitudes and active travel. The associations between cycling and attitudes toward other travel modes received limited attention to date
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
