Characteristics of new Queensland cyclists

1. Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety - Queensland INTRODUCTION Various state and local government initiatives have been implemented to encourage Australians to ride bicycles. Decreasing the number of trips taken by motor vehicle has benefits for the both the individual and the community, including health, congestion and environmental benefits. This research examined who the new cyclists are, how much and where they ride. METHODS A survey of 2,532 Queensland adults who had ridden at least once in the past year was conducted from October 2009 to March 2010, with most responses received online (99.3%). New Riders were those who reported riding regularly in 2008 and 2009 but not in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Continuing Riders reported riding regularly in all of the years 2005 to 2009. Characteristics of new Queensland cyclists ■ New Riders ■ Continuing Riders Amy Schramm & Narelle Haworth a.schramm@qut.edu.au; n.haworth@qut.edu.au RESULTS Approximately one fifth (21%) of the survey participants were New Riders, 53% were Continuing Riders and 26% did not fall into either group. New Riders were more likely than Continuing Riders to be female (33% vs 20%) and to self-report ‘basic’ or ‘competent’ bicycle handling skills (84% vs 45%). New Riders were slightly less likely to have been injured when cycling in the last two years (non-crash injuries 67% vs 61%; crash injuries 39% vs 33%). Both groups ride a similar proportion of kilometres on footpaths despite different location preferences. DISCUSSION New riders make up a significant number of current cyclists, indicating that recent initiatives to promote cycling are working. New Riders are more likely to be aged under 40 and female than Continuing Riders. Economic pressures and environmental awareness may explain why more New Riders primarily ride for utilitarian reasons. New Riders prefer footpaths and bike paths, possibly because they are seen as safer. This supports provision of off-road facilities to promote further uptake of cycling. Acknowledgements This research was funded by a Queensland Health Trauma Research Grant The Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland