Analysis of the quality of bicycle paths and their relationship with bicycle use in Florianópolis

Abstract

Bike lines are important structures in cities to promote active commuting. Thus, understanding the information inherent to its quality can help to understand its effects on human behavior. Assessing the quality of the bike paths in Florianopolis was the goal, using the QualiCiclo instrument and the SOPARC instrument for use profile. A total of 38 axes of cycle paths with 54 km of length were selected, and the qualitative analysis was classified as sufficient, with an overall average of 1.61 points. Observed 6,113 cyclists of which the majority were men, adults and in moderate intensity and better-quality bike paths have a greater number of cyclists (50.5%). Logistic regression analyzes showed that, usually, young people are less likely (OR:0.40; 95%CI: 0.24-0.67) to use bicycle paths classified as “good”. When observed by category, there is a greater chance of women using bike paths that have “good/excellent” quality of infrastructure and “sufficient” and “good/excellent” quality of signage. It is concluded that Florianopolis has an adequate network of cycle paths, however, the distribution of structures and cycle path connection is irregular between the regions of the city. A higher quality of bicycle path structures can promote greater use by women and the elderly, groups that perform less physical activity.