Adelaide cycle survey, September 1985 - the journey to work in Adelaide; preliminary data report

In September 1985, a roadside survey of cyclists travelling to or through the city was conducted in Adelaide. The purpose of the survey was to outline cyclist's travel behaviour, and to examine factors that influence cycle use. Bicycle use for the journey to work (or education) doubled between 1975 and 1981. Cycle use has remained constant since that time. Most cyclists, (70 per cent) travel distances of between 2 and 9 km, generally choosing the most direct, fastest route, detouring only if another route is seen to be safer. Although motorist behaviour was criticized and cyclists indicated an awareness of the possible dangers of cycling, few cyclists reported that they changed their route or time of cycling to avoid such problems. Examination of past and anticipated cycle use indicates that cycle use for the journey to work is likely to increase over the next five years. The major factors affecting the decision to cycle more are the provision of better cycle facilities and an increase in safety, or the perception of safety. Security for cycle parking was seen to be a problem for one quarter of cyclists. Of the 14 per cent of cyclists who had been involved in an accident requiring medical treatment in the past two years, only one third had reported this accident to police authorities. In September 1985, 32 per cent of commuter cyclists wore helmets. Helmet use is seen to be positively related to previous accidents and to age. Cycling as a means of transportation competes with both bus travel and the motor car. Reasons for cycling included convenience (58 per cent) health and fitness reasons (56 per cent), cost savings (42 per cent) and enjoyment of cycling (32 per cent).

• Authors:
  • Herzberg, S
• Publication Date: 1985-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 98P

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Cyclists; Data collection; Demographics; Highway safety; Law enforcement; Publicity; Traffic safety education; Travel behavior; Urban transportation; Work trips
• ATRI Terms: Attitude; Cyclist; Data collection; Demography; Journey to work; Law enforcement; Publicity; Road safety; Road user education; Travel behaviour; Urban transport
• Subject Areas: Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01426639
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 24 2012 1:53PM