Perception of the important characteristics and conditions of bike lanes and cycle lanes in a medium-sized Brazilian city, according to cyclists

Abstract

Although the rates of supporters of active mobility, especially cyclists, are considered low for most countries in Latin America, the benefits are great to the city and health of users. Understanding the profile of users of this mode of transport, their perceptions and possible difficulties is necessary to propose improvements with the competent public bodies. The aim of this study was to consult cyclists from a city in the interior of Brazil through the application of questionnaires and to assess their perception of the characteristics of the roads, the environment, the journey, the route, the journey traffic, the route, and the cyclist behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. By means of the statistical treatment, it was possible to measure the most relevant characteristics for this group, in addition to verifying that the number of vehicles was a determining factor in the perception of traffic, since there is an unreasonable dispute for space in traffic in which the bicycle is often invisible and it seen as an obstacle to the flow of motor vehicles on the roads. Based on the conclusions of the study, investments in infrastructure and urban equipment that improve the interconnection of bike lands and cycle lanes are proposed. Awareness campaigns can also encourage a greater number of users to choose the bicycle as the main means of transport.