Do tourists value different levels of cycling infrastructure?

Abstract

This paper seeks to examine how tourists value different types of cycling infrastructure using the results from intercept stated preference survey that was carried out amongst tourists in Dublin. The attributes used in the stated preference scenarios were: time, facility type, weather, and route gradient. A nested logit model was created to analyse the data.

It was found that a tourist is willing to increase their cycling time by approximately 100% in order to cycle upon a fully segregated from traffic cycling facility rather than along a road without cycling infrastructure, and are willing to increase their time by 40–50% to be able to cycle along a road with a cycle lane rather than a road without cycling facilities. Younger, male tourists, who own one or more bikes are more likely to choose a road without cycling facilities, while older, female tourists, who do not own any bikes, are more likely to choose a road with cycle lanes or a segregated from traffic cycling facility.

Currently, research into cycling and tourism has not been overly developed. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on research into this area. The research that currently exists is aligned more towards large scale events such as the Tour de France, and adventure tourism in general. This paper casts a light onto the area of cycling for tourist purposes and develops a value based system that can be used in the planning of cycling infrastructure in tourist locations and rural areas.