Factors Influencing Nondiscretionary Work Trips by Bicycle Determined from 1990 U.S. Census Metropolitan Statistical Area Data

Abstract

An extensive range of factors that may have some influence on the selection of the bicycle as the mode for work trips is explored using data from metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) extracted from the 1990 U.S. census. Only data extractable from the census were used for analysis. The sample included 100 percent of MSAs in the United States. Regression analysis was used to provide insight into the contributory factors. The dependent variable used in the analysis was the percentage of the modal split captured by bicycle for work trips in each MSA. The findings from the analysis indicated that levels of bicycling vary greatly from metropolitan area to metropolitan area within the United States. MSAs with relatively high levels of nondiscretionary bicycling appear to have urban densities that promote shorter trips, relatively temperate year-round climates, and a large proportion of students, particularly college students. The strongest finding reinforces what is already well known about nondiscretionary travel by bicycle: commuting to work by bicycle is a behavior most prevalent in MSAs that have unique communities within their statistical boundaries, such as universities or colleges. According to 1990 U.S. census data, this unique type of MSA has the highest levels of bicycling.