The role of attitudes toward characteristics of bicycle commuting on the choice to cycle to work over various distances

This paper analyses the influence of commuters’ attitudes toward the benefits of travel by bicycle (e.g. convenience, low cost, health benefits) on the mode choice decision for commutes to work. We assume that when the commute journey intensifies, either in terms of distance or frequency, attitudes toward cycling become more positive. Factor analysis reveals three underlying attitudinal factors toward cycling to work: awareness, direct trip-based benefits and safety. The decision to cycle is influenced by the factor “direct trip-based benefit” at all distances, whereas the “awareness” is influential only over long distances. The decision to cycle every day is again affected by the “direct benefit” factor. The factors “safety” and “awareness” are important over shorter distances. Having a cycling habit increases the likelihood of cycling and a higher frequency of cycling. The perceived opinion of others only affects the mode choice over short distances suggesting indicates mode choice on longer commutes is based on one’s own attitudes. These findings indicate that attitudes and other psychological factors have a relatively strong impact on the choice to commute by bicycle.

Research highlights
► Bicycle commuting is influenced by attitudes on direct benefits, awareness and safety.
► Long distance commuting by bicycle are associated with positive attitudes.
► Views on the beneficial health and environmental effects of cycling exert a positive influence on its use, especially over longer distances.