Transforming Auckland into a bicycle-friendly city: Understanding factors influencing choices of cyclists and potential cyclists

Like many other cities in the world, Auckland has been very much a car-based city for decades with a car modal share of almost 80%. Our ultimate goal is to help improve sustainability in transport in Auckland. Promoting the use of active modes, including walking and cycling, is no doubt one of the key strategies that should be considered. Our research question is, ‘If we were going to transform Auckland into a bicycle-friendly city, how should we invest in bicycle infrastructure and facilities in order to maximise the benefits to society?’ In order to answer this question, a first step is to determine the motivators of and deterrents to cycling in Auckland. In this paper, we first conduct a comprehensive literature review of the lessons from international experience focussing on what factors were found to have significant influence on the decision to use bicycles as a mode of transport. Based on experience of successful countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany, the means to make it safe and convenient to cycle are identified. We then present a survey designed to identify the factors influencing Aucklanders’ decision to commute by bicycle or not, as well as cyclists’ and potential cyclists’ route choice criteria. In particular, the web-based survey tool was designed to capture cyclists’ chosen route information interactively with a Geographic Information System. A comprehensive analysis of the survey results conducted at the University of Auckland is discussed, including the factors influencing the decision to cycle and route choice as well as spatial analysis of the characteristics of the chosen routes of cyclists. We conclude that there are five main factors missing in Auckland: (1) safety; (2) a well-connected network of cycle-ways; (3) convenience; (4) policies to discourage car use; and (5) a good public transportation system integrated with cycling facilities.