Evaluating bicyclists comfort and safety perception

Perception of safety and comfort of bicycle infrastructure is an important factor influencing the use of bicycles. Cyclists can be found all over India. In urban areas presently, mostly captive riders choose to bicycle as no other viable options of travel are available to them. This study discusses perceptions of these captive riders as compared to a group of not yet riding (potential) cyclists. A stated preference survey to estimate the perception of captive users and potential users on cycling was conducted. The perception of risk among captive riders and potential riders does not show much difference as against popular beliefs. Both the captive users as well as the potential users focus on physical safety and the difficulties in crossing the intersections. Differences arise in perception of comfort / attractiveness and barriers. Pedestrians / bus commuters waiting at the curb side lane are considered as predominant barriers (about 28%) by potential users while captive riders are more tolerant to them. Results indicate that perception of safety and comfort are not related to age, gender, type of zone and distance travelled. However, the presence of informal sector on the street side is social security element and attractive for providing services for captive cyclists. The potential users consider informal sector as a barrier, although, lighting seems to be important to them. Results of SP experiment shows potential users perceive slope as bigger threat to bicycle compatibility as compared to captive riders. Captive riders prefer wider roads against the narrow roads preferred by potential cyclists. Land use mix seems to be not a major concern, while low density areas are preferred. The results can be used for evaluating area bicycle compatibility both for captive and potential users.