Influence of infrastructural compatibility factors on walking and cycling route choices

This paper uses a two-pronged approach to assess which infrastructural compatibility factors affect people's willingness to select the desired route for walking or cycling. An intercept perception survey and walkability/bikeability audits were carried out to assess various factors. From the perception survey, rain shelter supplants distance as the most important factor for walking whereas security is the most important factor for cycling. A user-rated weighted point system is then utilised to establish the Safety and Accessibility Index (SAI) as metric for auditing of walkability and bikeability. Comparing segments between actual and shortest routes, comfort, shops and scenery showed up as significantly important factors for choosing favoured walking routes; comfort, stairs, accident risk and crowdedness are important considerations when choosing cycling routes.