Frequency of Bicycle Commuting: Internet-Based Survey Analysis

This research uses an ordered-response model to evaluate the factors that impact bicycle frequency use for an individual’s commute to and from work. The data used for this paper were gathered during an original survey effort conducted over the Internet in 2002. The paper presents empirical results and discusses the policy implications of these results for urban planning. In addition, the paper descriptively analyzes the deterrents and facilitators of bicycle commuting as reported by respondents in the survey. Several findings from this research contribute to the state of the knowledge in bicycle commuting. First, availability of showers or clothing lockers at the workplace does not appear to inspire bicycle commuters to commute by bicycle more frequently. Second, using a bicycle for non-work trip purposes increases an individual’s frequency of commuting by bicycle to work. Other important results indicate that non-bicycle commuters either have misconceptions about the dangers of bicycling, or else they lack convenient, safe route options for bicycling to work. Practitioners can use the ordered response model to estimate an individual bicycle commuter’s frequency of commuting by bicycle. The results can also help practitioners estimate the effects on non-motorized mode share of programs that compete for funds to provide bicycling safety education, bicycle parking, and promotion of bicycling.