Latent Bicycle Commuting Demand and Effects of Gender on Commuter Cycling and Accident Rates

Abstract

A recent survey by the City of Calgary, Canada, found that more than 75% of cyclists commuting to downtown Calgary are male. The intent of this research is to determine whether this is also true for cyclists commuting to a university campus located in the second most popular employment area of the city, what obstacles are preventing women from bicycling, and what measures could increase the number of female commuter cyclists. An online survey was conducted to collect information that allowed the grouping of respondents as potential, occasional, or regular cyclists. Analysis showed that women are more likely than men to be possible or occasional cyclists, while men are more likely than women to be regular cyclists. These findings suggest that if women's cycling needs were addressed, the modal share of bicycle commuting could be increased. Investigation of cycling barriers indicated that women are more concerned than men about safety issues associated with cycling, with being able to carry daily items while cycling, and with the need to fix their hair on arrival. In analysis of desired improvements, women were found to place a higher value on bicycle maps and literature but share similar facility preferences with men. High proportions of both genders indicated a desire for bicycle lanes, more pathways, and more direct bicycle routes. Analysis of falls and collisions suggested that men and women experience a similar number of falls per unit of exposure, while men experience more collisions per unit of exposure than women do.

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