Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Overcoming barriers to cycling: understanding frequency of cycling in a University setting and the factors preventing commuters from cycling on a regular basis

  • Published:
Transportation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Much local and regional transport policy is attempting to increase cycling as an everyday mode of travel through infrastructure changes, education initiatives, and safety campaigns. While considerable research has examined the influence of the built form on cycling, less research has examined the barriers that prevent people who wish to cycle more (as part of their routine) from doing so. This study examines several factors influencing the frequency by which people do (and do not) cycle in a campus setting in a large metropolitan area. Mixed methods reveal differences between barriers to cycling as well as the relative strength of these barriers across categories of age, sex, and current mode used. A multinomial logit model, which controls for residential self-selection effects, predicts whether and how often a respondent cycles based on socio-demographic and trip characteristics. The presence of cycle paths is found to be strongly associated with a higher frequency of cycling commutes. Additionally, an analysis of stated barriers reveals effort and a lack of safety as the most important barriers to potential cyclists. Finally, a qualitative analysis of respondents’ open-ended responses confirms the influence of bicycle paths, but reveals other factors such as the importance of improved interactions among various street users. Findings from this research can be of benefit to transportation engineers and planners who are aiming to increase the use of cycling among various groups of commuters.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bauman, A., Rissel, C., Garrard, J., Ker, I., Speidel, R., Fishman, E.: Cycling: getting Australia moving—barriers, facilitators and interventions to get more Australians physically active through cycling. In: 31st Australasian Transport Research Forum, pp. 593–602 (2008)

  • Bergstrom, A., Magnusson, R.: Potential of transfering car trips to bicycle during winter. Transp. Res. Part A: Policy Pract. 37(8), 649–666 (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  • Broach, J., Dill, J., Gliebe, J.: Where do cyclists ride? A route choice model developed with revealed preference GPS data. Transp. Res. Part A 46(10) 1730–1740 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  • Daley, M., Rissel, C.: Perspectives and images of cycling as a barrier or facilitator of cycling. Transp. Policy 18(1), 211–216 (2011). doi:10.1016/j.tranpol.2010.08.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Damant-Sirois, G., Grimsrud, M., El-Geneidy, A.: What’s your type: a multidimensional cyclist typology. Transportation (2014). doi:10.1007/s11116-014-9523-8

    Google Scholar 

  • Dill, J., McNeil, N.: Four types of cyclists? Examining a typology to better understand bicycling behavior and potential. Paper presented at the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting Washington, D.C (2013)

  • Dill, J., Voros, K.: Factors affecting bicycling demand: Initial survey findings from the Portland region. Transp. Res. Rec. 2031, 9–17 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Forman, H., Kerr, J., Norman, G., Saelens, B., Durant, N., Harris, S., Sallis, J.: Reliability and validity of destination-specific barriers to walking and cycling for youth. Prev. Med. 46, 311–317 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gatersleben, B., Appleton, K.: Contemplating cycling to work: attitudes and perceptions in different stages of change. Transp. Res. Part A: Policy Pract. 41, 302–313 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  • Geller, R. (2006). Four types of cyclists. http://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/237507

  • Heesch, K., Sahlqvist, S., Garrard, J.: Gender differences in recreational and transport cycling: a cross-sectional mixed-methods comparison of cycling patterns, motivators, and constraints. Int. J. Behav. Nutr. Phys. Activity 9(106), 1–12 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jensen, M.: Passion and health in transport—a sociological analysis on transport behaviour. Transp. Policy 6, 19–33 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaczynski, A.T., Bopp, M., Wittman, P.: Association of workplace supports with active commuting. Prev. Chronic Dis. 7(6), 1–9 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  • Larsen, J., El-Geneidy, A., Yasmin, F.: Beyond the quarter mile: re-examining travel distances by active transportation. Can. J. Urban Res. 19(1), 70–88 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  • Manaugh, K., El-Geneidy, A.: Validating walkability indices: how do different households respond to the walkability of their neighbourhood? Transp. Res. Part D 16(4), 309–315 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pooley, G.C., Horton, D., Scheldeman, G., Mullen, C., Jones, T., Tight, M., Chisholm, A.: Policies for promoting walking and cycling in England: a view from the street. Transp. Policy 27, 66–72 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pooley, G.C., Horton, D., Scheldeman, G., Tight, M., Jones, T., Chisholm, A., Jopson, A.: Household decision-making for everyday travel: a case study of walking and cycling in Lancaster (UK). J. Transp. Geogr. 19(6), 1601–1607 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prochaska, J., DiClemente, C.: Stages and processses of self-change of smoking: toward an integrative model of change. J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. 51(3), 390–395 (1983)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, R.: Theory of routine mode choice decisions: an operational framework to increase sustainable transportation. Transp. Policy 25, 128–138 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shannon, T., Giles-Corti, B., Pikora, T., Bulsara, M., Shilton, T., Bull, F.: Active commuting in a university setting: assessing commuting habits and potential for modal change. Transp. Policy 13, 240–254 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Timperio, A., Ball, K., Salmon, J., Roberts, R., Giles-Corti, B., Simmons, D., Crawford, D.: Personal, family, social, and environmental correlates of active commuting to school. Am. J. Prev. Med. 30(1), 45–52 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Titze, S., Stronegger, W., Janschitz, S., Oja, P.: Association of built-environment, social-environment and personal factors with bicycling as a mode of transportation among Austrian city dwellers. Prev. Med. 47(3), 252–260 (2008). doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2008.02.019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ville de Montreal.: Three-year capital plan at a glance. (2013–2015). https://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/docs/page/service_fin_fr/media/documents/PTI-2013-2015_bref_ANG.pdf

  • Willis, D., Manaugh, K., El-Geneidy, A.: Uniquely satisfied: exploring cyclists satisfaction. Transp. Res. Part F 18, 136–148 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Winters, M., Davidson, G., Kao, D., Teschke, K.: Motivators and deterrents of bicycling: comparing influences on decisions to ride. Transportation 38, 153–169 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yeung, J., Wearing, S., Hills, A.: Child transport practices and perceived barriers in active commuting to school. Transp. Res. Part A 42, 895–901 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, McGill School of Environment, Room 424A, 805 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, QC, H3A 2K6, Canada

    Kevin Manaugh

  2. School of Urban Planning, McGill University, Suite 400, 815 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, QC, H3A 2K6, Canada

    Geneviève Boisjoly & Ahmed El-Geneidy

Authors
  1. Kevin Manaugh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Geneviève Boisjoly
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ahmed El-Geneidy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kevin Manaugh.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Manaugh, K., Boisjoly, G. & El-Geneidy, A. Overcoming barriers to cycling: understanding frequency of cycling in a University setting and the factors preventing commuters from cycling on a regular basis. Transportation 44, 871–884 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-016-9682-x

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-016-9682-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation