Frequent public transit users views and attitudes toward cycling in Canada in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Several Canadian cities observed a shift from public transit use to private cars and active transport modes during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a moment where pre-pandemic public transit users are reconsidering their travel options, studies describing their attitudes toward cycling are lacking. Because most trips in urban areas involve short- and mid-range travel, cycling is seen as a promising environmentally sustainable means of transportation. This study aims to describe how pre-pandemic public transit users in Toronto and Vancouver view cycling, including their comfort with available infrastructure, cycling frequency, and perceived barriers to adoption. Data from the Public Transit and COVID-19 Survey, a web-based panel survey of over 3500 regular transit riders in Toronto and Vancouver administered in May 2020 and April 2021 were analysed. Applying Geller's typology, 70% of participants could be classified as interested but concerned and one fifth as no way no how regarding their comfort levels toward cycling. Women were more likely to be no way no how cyclist type. Weather, lack of safe routes, and having to carry things were the main barriers to cycling in both cities. Our results give insight on who should be targeted by city initiatives aiming to promote changes toward more active modes of transportation. Further studies with a causal design are required to identify possible mitigating strategies to the main barriers to cycling.