Reaching Your Destination on Time - Route Choice Decisions of Different Commuter Cyclist Types

Abstract

Frequent cycling is environment-sparing and health-promoting. Therefore, bicycle-use for commuting should be increased by developing infrastructure according to cyclists’ demands. Using a mixed-method approach, we first identified cyclist types by stated preferences regarding cycling infrastructure. Two types of commuters could be distinguished: foremost fast and safe and fast cyclists. Second, the cyclists rated their last commuter trip as well as alternatives to their chosen route based on the dimensions safety, comfort, and efficiency. Contrary to expectations, the evaluation of routes chosen and avoided alternatives found no differences between these cyclist types – both types made similar decisions. The dimension of efficiency turned out to be most relevant to the route choice decision making of both groups of commuting bicyclists. When cycling is not a leisure activity but serves commuting, this should be reflected in infrastructure with fast cycling and short cycling routes, for increased efficiency is of relevance to all types of commuting cyclists.