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Motivators and deterrents of bicycling: comparing influences on decisions to ride

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Abstract

In a survey of 1,402 current and potential cyclists in Metro Vancouver, 73 motivators and deterrents of cycling were evaluated. The top motivators, consistent among regular, frequent, occasional and potential cyclists, were: routes away from traffic noise and pollution; routes with beautiful scenery; and paths separated from traffic. In factor analysis, the 73 survey items were grouped into 15 factors. The following factors had the most influence on likelihood of cycling: safety; ease of cycling; weather conditions; route conditions; and interactions with motor vehicles. These results indicate the importance of the location and design of bicycle routes to promote cycling.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge Jack Becker, Joan Caravan, Adam DiPaula, Richard Elias, Sheila Hartmann, Cam Pearce, Jason Potter, Mary Sherlock, Peter Stary, and Imelda Wong for their contributions to the survey development and implementation. We also value the feedback of the three reviewers of the paper. This research was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Transport Canada Moving on Sustainable Transportation Program, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, TransLink, Metro Vancouver, and the Cities of Langley, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Surrey, Vancouver, White Rock and the Township of Langley.

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Correspondence to Meghan Winters.

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Winters, M., Davidson, G., Kao, D. et al. Motivators and deterrents of bicycling: comparing influences on decisions to ride. Transportation 38, 153–168 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-010-9284-y

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