A travel behavior analysis of urban cycling facilities in Montréal, Canada

This study examines the personal factors that influence cycling facility usage and how specific facility types and their spatial characteristics affect route choice. This study is based on an online survey of 2917 cyclists from Montréal, Quebec, Canada. Respondent’s most frequent home-based trips are modeled using a geographic information system. Several statistical models are used to measure the cycling patterns associated with different types of utilitarian cyclists. Experienced cyclists are less likely to use cycling facilities compared to other kinds of cyclists. Overall, cyclists add greater distance to their trips for facilities that are segregated from vehicle traffic, however, this additional diversion distance is best explained by facility length and supply of nearby facilities.

Research highlights
► Examines factors that stimulate cycle use.
► Provides case study material on the role of dedicated cycle tracks on cycle use in Quebec.
► Finds that people take longer trips when separated from motorized traffic.