Impact of the Built Environment and Bicycling Psychological Factors on the Acceptable Bicycling Distance of Rural Residents

Yan Wang, Yibin Ao, Yuting Zhang, Yan Liu, Lei Zhao and Yunfeng Chen
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Yan Wang: Department of Engineering Management, Sichuan College of Architectural Technology, Deyang 618000, China
Yibin Ao: College of Environment and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
Yuting Zhang: College of Environment and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
Yan Liu: School of Public Affairs and Administration, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
Lei Zhao: College of Environment and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
Yunfeng Chen: School of Construction Management Technology, Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 16, 1-19

Abstract: The ability to understand bicycling behavior in China’s rural areas is critical in constructing an improved, sustainable, countryside amid the rapid urbanization in the country. This study analyzes the influence of individual bicycling psychology, objective, and perceived built environment on the acceptable bicycling distance of rural residents. This research is conducted by controlling for the socio-demographic characteristics of the residents on the bases of a face-to-face questionnaire survey and an on-site measurement. Exploratory factor analysis shows three attitudinal common factors on bicycling infrastructure, namely, bicycling ancillary facilities, bicycle lane conditions, and safety, and two bicycling motivation factors, namely, convenience and other motivations. Multiple linear regression was estimated and results of the models were consistent. Individual bicycling psychology and built environment factors significantly influence the acceptable bicycling distance of rural residents. The socio-demographic variables insignificantly influence the acceptable bicycling distance, which is inconsistent with the existing literature. The research results provide a broad empirical base for the complex relationships among individual bicycling psychological factors, objective and perceived built environment, and bicycling behavior. This study presents the first research on bicycling in Chinese rural areas and provides guidance for the development of effective countermeasures in constructing ecovillages.

Keywords: rural built environment; bicycling distance; bicycling psychological factors; bicycling behavior; multiple linear regression model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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