Choosing the Bicycle as a Mode of Transportation, the Influence of Infrastructure Perception, Travel Satisfaction and Pro-Environmental Attitude, the Case of Milan

Abstract

The present study investigates how infrastructure perception, travel satisfaction and pro-environmental attitudes influence the motivations for choosing cycling as a mode of transport. The effects of demographic variables and mobility habits are also taken into account. Data are collected via a survey with cyclists living in Milan and the surrounding areas. The survey comprises a first set of items to explore the cyclists’ transportation habits and three self-assessment questionnaires: The Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS)—A Short Form, The Satisfaction with Travel Scale (STS) and the Environmental Attitudes Inventory (EAI). A series of different multiple linear regression analyses and mediation models are conducted. The findings suggest that the frequency of cycling may be explained based on several factors. Males report cycling more frequently, younger adults report lower frequencies of bicycle use and the urban setting is more significantly related to bicycle use. Moreover, the results highlight the significant positive role of the perception of neighbourhoods (especially those with an easy access to non-residential areas) and of pro-environmental attitudes (especially of personal conservation behaviour) in promoting the frequency of bicycling, with the mediation effect of the variable ‘purpose of bicycle use’ (for leisure or to reach a destination) as well. Based on these findings, policymakers should focus on tailored strategies to promote cycling in different users.