PURPOSE:

To provide evidence about the types of transportation infrastructure that support bicycling.

DESIGN:

Population-based survey with pictures to depict 16 route types.

SETTING:

Metro Vancouver, Canada.

SUBJECTS:

1402 adult current and potential cyclists, i.e., the "near market" for cycling (representing 31% of the population).

MEASURES:

Preference scores for each infrastructure type (scale from -1, very unlikely to use, to +1, very likely to use); current frequency of use of each infrastructure type (mean number of times/y).

ANALYSES:

Descriptive statistics across demographic segments; multiple linear regression.

RESULTS:

Most respondents were likely or very likely to choose to cycle on the following broad route categories: off-street paths (71%-85% of respondents); physically separated routes next to major roads (71%); and residential routes (48%-65%). Rural roads (21%-49%) and routes on major streets (16%-52%) were least likely to be chosen. Within the broad categories, routes with traffic calming, bike lanes, paved surfaces, and no on-street parking were preferred, resulting in increases in likelihood of choosing the route from 12% to 37%. Findings indicate a marked disparity between preferred cycling infrastructure and the route types that were currently available and commonly used.

CONCLUSION:

This study provides evidence for urban planners about bicycling infrastructure designs that could lead to an increase in active transportation.