Determining bicycle infrastructure preferences – A case study of Dublin

This paper examines infrastructure preferences for cyclists. In Ireland, the Irish National Cycle Policy Framework acknowledges that investment in cycling infrastructure type and quality has been ‘in many cases, inadequate’ and has, generally, not led to an overall increase in cycling numbers. Therefore, in order to ensure future investment is targeted where it is likely to be most effective in achieving adopted mode share targets for cycling, the following research has been undertaken to determine the factors which most influence cycling route choice. In particular, the research aims to determine the factors, which have greatest influence on cycle route infrastructure preference the correlation between the level of cycling confidence and preferred types of infrastructure and route characteristics. A stated preference survey, undertaken by almost 2,000 cyclists and noncyclists, was used to gauge preferences for a range of infrastructure types and route characteristics. Facilities which were segregated from traffic were the most preferred form of cycling infrastructure, regardless of cycling confidence. Interestingly, routes through residential streets and parks were the second most favoured, where no specific infrastructure is provided with the exception of improvements in way-finding. Routes which offered no facilities were least favoured and least likely to support a shift to cycling. Introduction and background Transport policy across Europe in the past ten years has made a significant shift to sustainable transport objectives and targets which are clearly linked to environmental and economic objectives. In Ireland, Smarter Travel, the National Sustainable Transport Policy marks a significant departure from previous national policies for transport. This plan has a greater focus to strengthening Ireland’s road and public transport networks (Department of Transport, 2009a). The strategy highlights the implications of future growth projections on the Irish transport network: increasing car ownership and annual vehicle kilometres travelled, declining average speeds in commuting periods and increasing congestion amidst a decline in walking and cycling modal share. In light of these forecasts, the strategy sets out bold travel targets supported by a 48 actions for implementation, ranging from infrastructure to policy and education measures. The overall target is to reduce work related commuting by car from a current modal share of 65% to 45%. In addition, it is envisaged that total *Manuscript Click here to view linked References