Promoting transportation cycling for women: The role of bicycle infrastructure

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

卷:46

Article

Garrard, Jan¹  Rose, Geoffrey²  Lo, Sing Kai³ 

[1] Deakin Univ, Sch Hlth & Social Dev, Burwood, Vic 3125, Australia

[2] Monash Univ, Inst Transport Studies, Dept Civil Engn, Clayton, Vic 3168, Australia

[3] Deakin Univ, Fac Hlth Med Nursing & Behav Sci, Geelong, Vic 3217, Australia

关键词: transport;    bicycling;    gender;    physical activity;    public health;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.07.010

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Objective. Females are substantially less likely than males to cycle for transport in countries with low bicycle transport mode share. We investigated whether female commuter cyclists were more likely to use bicycle routes that provide separation from motor vehicle traffic. Methods. Census of cyclists observed at 15 locations (including off-road bicycle paths, on-road lanes and roads with no bicycle facilities) within a 7.4 kin radius of the central business district (CBD) of Melbourne, Australia, during peak commuting times in February 2004. Results. 6589 cyclists were observed, comprising 5229 males (79.4%) and 1360 females (20.6%). After adjustment for distance of the bicycle facility from the CBD, females showed a preference for using off-road paths rather than roads with no bicycle facilities (odds ratio [OR]=1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12, 1.83), or roads with on-road bicycle lanes (OR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.75). Conclusions. Consistent with gender differences in risk aversion, female commuter cyclists preferred to use routes with maximum separation from motorized traffic. Improved cycling infrastructure in the form of bicycle paths and lanes that provide a high degree of separation from motor traffic is likely to be important for increasing transportation cycling amongst under-represented population groups such as women. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free