An examination of cyclists' and non-cyclists' mode choice under a new cycle network

Abstract

Globally, transportation planners and engineers are making changes to cities and policies to promote the use of active modes. This study examines cyclists' and non-cyclists' perceptions towards cycling due to a new cycle network. Auckland's cycle network is currently undergoing a transformation; the government is heavily investing to promote cycling. Data from the Active Modes 2016 survey was analysed. The results show that 9% of the population is cycling more, and around 32% of cyclists rode more than the previous year. The proportion of female cyclists increased to 49%. The difference in perception between cyclists and non-cyclists is significant. The results indicate that cyclists have a positive attitude towards cycling; 50% of the cyclists felt joy when cycling. Non-cyclists have a strong negative perception of the network. They perceive the cycle network to be poor, with not enough lanes and paths that are separated from cars. Socially, the majority of the non-cyclists perceive that their friends and colleagues do not cycle and, possibly, do not feel socially obligated. For cyclists, 33% agree that their family encourages them to cycle, 27% agree that their friends admire and encourage them to cycle, and 27% agree that cycling improves their image among peers. Although the proportions are not high, they support the findings that cyclists have some form of communal support for their choice of mode. This study contributes towards an understanding of the effects that a large scale investment in a cycle network has on mode choice.