Comparing Spatial Associations of Commuting versus Recreational Ridership Captured by the Strava Fitness App

Abstract

Strava Metro data are used in bicycle planning, but there are concerns it overrepresents fitness activity. The data include a commute label, but spatial patterns of commuting versus recreational ridership are underexplored. Using spatial regression, we compare associations of Strava ridership by trip type. Commuting was associated with areas with more on-street infrastructure, universities, and higher bicycle crash density. Recreational ridership was higher in areas with older populations, more hills and major roads, and lower intersection density. Both trip purposes tended to be in areas with regional trails, off-street infrastructure, higher bicycle mode share, bridges, and proximity to the ocean.