Social research on cycling
Background
City of Sydney commissioned independent research to look into the attitudes of Sydneysiders to cycling and to find out how people travel into and around the local government area.
A research agency conducted an internet survey of 1,150 people and then undertook a series of focus groups to look in-depth at the issues raised.
Findings
The key findings of the research were as follows:
General
- 40% of current cyclists are male, only 13% are female
- Of potential cyclists, 43% are aged 18-24 and 40% are aged 25 to 34. The highest number of non-cyclists was in the 45-50 age groups
- 42% of students are potential cyclists (29% of students are cyclists)
- Cyclists make most of their current trips for physical fitness/leisure or to travel to work; only 8% are a member of a cycling club or group and 61% have been riding for 5 years or less
- The top reason for not cycling (generally) is simply not owning a bicycle, with safety concerns in second place
- Reasons for not cycling in the CBD centre around 1) safety, 2) provisions for cyclists and 3) not wanting to be 'sweaty when I get to my destination'
- Dedicated lanes/off road routes, increased driver awareness and bicycle parking/lockers would encourage respondents to cycle more regularly
- An open-ended question was also asked about the main benefits of cycling. 73% cited 'health and fitness' and 27% to help safeguard the environment.
Potential cyclists
- These are a younger group (18 to 34 year olds) with a slight female bias, living in the Sydney LGA (or inner west or lower north shore) and working outside the CBD
- Many are students or work in the hospitality, tourism, media and creative industries
- Safety concerns, high levels of traffic and lack of cycling infrastructure are the current barriers to them cycling
- Dedicated bike lanes/off road routes and a perceived increase in driver awareness and safety would help encourage them to cycle
- Fitness and leisure is the main motivator for cycling
Geography
- There is little correlation between cycling and distance to work. The average distance that cyclists travel is 3km, but 20% ride between 5 and 10km for work.
- Regular cyclists tend to live in the eastern suburbs, with a pocket in the inner western suburbs and lower north shore.
Next steps
The findings of the research were used to help shape the Cycle Strategy and Action Plan 2007 -2017. The views given are being taken into account when designing cycle paths and when developing resources and information about cycling for residents and city workers.
Downloads
- Internet survey research report | PDF 875Kb
- Focus group research report | PDF 566Kb
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