Enhancing urban sustainable mobility: a binary logistic regression approach to modelling cyclists' behaviour

Yalcin Alver, Elia Odabasi

Last modified: 2024-04-05

Abstract


Urban mobility is a critical aspect of modern city life, and the integration of sustainable transportation modes, such as cycling, has gained prominence. However, in Izmir, a vibrant city in Turkey, there are limited cycling routes, which poses a challenge for cyclists. This study aims to model the behaviour of individuals who choose to cycle in İzmir despite the lack of proper infrastructure, particularly focusing on their interaction with public transportation. To achieve this, we employ binary logistic regression to analyse the factors influencing individuals' decision to combine cycling with public transportation. Variables considered include travel distance, travel purpose, bike use frequency, socioeconomic factors, and the availability of alternative transportation options. The dataset is derived from surveys conducted among cyclists in İzmir, capturing their preferences, challenges faced, and motivations for choosing this unconventional mode of transportation. 539 (%27) out of 1982 survey data were found to use bicycles and public transportation together. Despite the absence of dedicated bicycle lanes, a significant number of individuals prefer cycling in conjunction with public transportation, suggesting a latent demand for improved cycling infrastructure. In the preliminary findings, it has been determined that the purpose of travel has a significant impact on the co-use of cycling and public transportation. Individuals using bicycles to commute to work or school are more likely to combine cycling with public transportation compared to those using bicycles for leisure or shopping. The frequency of bicycle use also has a notable effect on the co-use of cycling and public transportation. Individuals who regularly use bicycles have a higher likelihood of combining cycling with public transportation compared to those who rarely use bicycles. This research provides a foundation for evidence-based urban planning, aiming to enhance the overall quality of life and contribute to the development of cyclist-friendly cities.

Keywords


Bike, Bike Users, Intermodality, Public transportation and bike