Research paper explores route choice behaviours of cyclists on utilitarian trips

An extensive review of research, carried out by Mirosława Łukawska, seeks to shed new light on choices made and routes selected by urban cyclists, specifically, those using the bicycle as a form of transport.

Working initially at the Technical University of Denmark, then at Dresden University of Technology, Łukawska has reviewed 33 studies – which employed GPS data and statistical modelling on the topic of bicycle route choice – producing a new literature review paper entitled “Quantitative modelling of cyclists’ route choice behaviour on utilitarian trips based on GPS data: associated factors and behavioural implications”.

Article summary

“Despite many years of research and rapid changes in the field of bicycle route choice modelling, a review of factors associated with cyclists’ route choice decisions is missing.

This paper reviews 33 studies that employed GPS data and statistical modelling to explain the route choice behaviour of cyclists on utilitarian trips. Factors associated with bicycle route choice are divided into network, contextual, and individual factors.

Findings from this review demonstrate that a refined categorisation of model attributes is essential, as the preferences vary greatly between different route attributes. Moreover, the analysis indicates a strong influence of the local context on the attribute definitions and route choice preferences.

Although some commonalities between studies with respect to the network factors (e.g. a preference towards bicycle infrastructure or avoidance of slopes) can be determined, many results are contradictory or intertwined with other factors. Specifically, results related to intersections, land use characteristics, and interaction with other modes of transport are not always conclusive and are strongly dependent on the local context. However, the explanation of some of the unclear effects can be facilitated by incorporating contextual or individual information in the models.

• Based on the analysis of the existing studies, this review encourages a joint consideration of studies employing quantitative and qualitative methods to explain cyclists’ behaviour.
• Moreover, reporting model results in an accessible form (e.g. through relatable values or visualisation) is essential to build bridges between bicycle research and policymaking.
• Future research is encouraged to study cyclists’ route choice decisions from the perspective of objective well-being, quantifying and modelling the influence of factors such as safety, health, energy expenditure, or noise exposure.”

While the paper itself focuses on the route choice determinants, the supplementary material includes additional information about data and methods utilised in the field.

Published in Transport Reviews, BikeBiz readers can access the full research article by clicking here.