LAUSR

Highest Scoring Abstract: Undergraduate/Masters Background Nearly one in four trips to commuter rail stations in the Toronto region are between one and five kilometers in length – a reasonable distance for cycling. Yet only 1% of passengers arrive by bike, with the majority (62%) of nearly 100,000 daily passengers driving and parking at a station. A sixteen-billion-dollar investment in enhanced rail service is expected to double current train ridership. To support this growth, it is necessary to increase the use of non-parking-dependent station access modes. Cycling has potential to be a sustainable alternative for short station access trips, while also promoting superior health outcomes associated with a more active lifestyle. This study develops a cycling typology of passengers to foster a better understanding of customer perceptions and to identify customer segments who may be willing to cycle to the station. Methods Passengers intercepted at three suburban commuter rail stations were invited to complete an online survey (n = 300). Drawing on proven cycling determinants from the literature, the survey assessed willingness to cycle in adverse weather, the importance of end-of-trip facilities, comfort cycling on various types of infrastructure, and other personal identity and societal factors. A principal component analysis of the survey data followed by k-means cluster analysis was used to develop a typology of respondents. Results Using six factors derived from 17 survey variables, four distinct types of cyclists were identified: All-around cyclists (10%) most frequently cycle for transportation purposes and are most comfortable cycling in adverse weather conditions. Recreational cyclists (29%) frequently cycle for recreation but rarely for transportation purposes and are more comfortable on low-stress facilities such as paths, residential streets, and protected bike lanes than on busy roads. The safety-conscious (33%) do not frequently cycle, but express comfort with low-stress facilities. Finally, the facility-demanding (28%) express the strongest support for end-of-trip facilities and are least likely to agree that cycling is a practical way to reach the station. Nearly all (95%) of those who currently cycle to a station fall within the all-around type. Females are nearly twice as likely as males to be represented in the safety-conscious type. Conclusions Efforts to increase cycling to rail stations will necessitate encouraging recreational cyclists and the safety-conscious to ride for transportation purposes. Low-stress cycling networks surrounding the stations are critical in supporting these efforts, particularly for female riders.