An Analysis of Bicycle Route Choice Preferences Using a Web-Based Survey to Examine Bicycle Facilities

In the U.S., the rise in motorized vehicle travel has contributed to serious societal, environmental, economic, and public health problems. These problems have increased the interest in encouraging non-motorized modes of travel (walking and bicycling). The current study contributes toward this objective by identifying and evaluating the importance of attributes influencing bicyclists’ route choice preferences. Specifically, the paper examines a comprehensive set of attributes that influence bicycle route choice, including: (1) bicyclists’ characteristics, (2) on-street parking, (3) bicycle facility type and amenities, (4) roadway physical characteristics, (5) roadway functional characteristics, and (6) roadway operational characteristics. The data used in the analysis is drawn from a web-based stated preference survey of Texas bicyclists. The results of the study emphasize the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of both route-related attributes and bicyclists’ demographics in bicycle route choice decisions. The empirical models indicate that travel time is the most important attribute for commuters in choosing their routes. Traffic volume, speed limit, on-street parking characteristics, bicycle route continuity, number of stop signs, red lights, and cross streets, and roadway terrain also impact bicyclists’ route choice.