A cluster analysis of cyclists in Europe: common patterns, behaviours, and attitudes

Federico Fraboni (), Gabriele Prati, Giulia Casu, Marco De Angelis and Luca Pietrantoni
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Federico Fraboni: University of Bologna
Gabriele Prati: University of Bologna
Giulia Casu: University of Bologna
Marco De Angelis: University of Bologna
Luca Pietrantoni: University of Bologna

Transportation, 2022, vol. 49, issue 2, No 10, 620 pages

Abstract: Abstract This study uses cluster analysis on a sample of regular cyclists from six European countries (the U.K., the Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, Italy, and Spain) to shed light on common cycling patterns, demographic characteristics, and attitudes. Participants completed an online survey on cycling behaviour, attitudes towards cycling, discomfort while cycling in mixed traffic, cycling environment and comparative cycling risk perception. A two-step cluster analysis was performed to identify segments of cyclists based on cycling patterns, and a multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to profile the segments. The two-step cluster analysis yielded three components. Leisure-time cyclists cycled almost exclusively for leisure/training, had a clear preference for car use relative to bicycle, and low riding frequency. Resolute Cyclists were characterised by a high variety of cycling trip purpose, a clear preference for bicycle use relative to the car, and high riding frequency. Convenience Cyclists were characterised by cycling for personal business or leisure/training but not for commuting, no evident preference for bicycle vs car, and medium riding frequency. The value of the present study is to highlight commonalities in patterns, characteristics, and attitudes of cyclists in Europe. Our study showed that cycling patterns and habits are linked to psychosocial variables such as attitudes and the cycling environment, explicitly highlighting the importance of discomfort in mixed traffic and the relationship with cycling culture.

Keywords: Bicyclists; Cluster analysis; Travel behaviour; Mode choices; Attitudes towards cycling; Comparative risk perception; Cycling in mixed traffic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/s11116-021-10187-3

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