Note: Researchers who wish to replicate the before-after study design used in this research to evaluate effects of bicycle investments may contact the Principal Investigator (
kari.watkins@ce.gatech.edu) to obtain editable versions of the survey instruments and focus group materials.
BACKGROUND
Many communities are investing in bicycle infrastructure, including new and evolving types of bicycle facilities. To better inform decisions related to the location of bicycle facilities as well as what types of bicycle facilities to build, install, or modify, bicycle facility infrastructure should be studied relative to its effects on ridership, on the operation of the bicycle network, and on the way it can engage broad segments of the general population in bicycling. While a significant amount of research has been completed that assesses bicycle user preferences for bicycle facility types, these efforts typically have not produced adequate information related to latent demand--information about potential bicyclists and what type of bicycle facilities would attract new users.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this research are to provide guidance for predicting (1) the relative preference of current and potential bicycle users—by demographic groups including cyclist experience level—for various kinds of bicycle facilities in a variety of community environments; and (2) the relative effectiveness of various kinds of bicycle facilities for attracting new bicycle users and increasing bicycle travel by existing bicycle users.
