Cycling Assessment: A tool to inform policymakers and enhance the cyclist’s travel experience, with a gender perspective

Abstract

Abstract Since 1998, Bogotá has consistently made substantial efforts to foster the bicycle’s role as a primary mode of transportation. Recent years have witnessed a compelling aspiration for the city to ascend as the “bicycle capital of the world,” evident in its accomplishment of 6.6% of daily trips completed by bicycle in 2019. This achievement translates to 880.367 daily cycling journeys (District Secretariat of Mobility of Bogotá, 2019). These statistics surpass regional benchmarks; for instance, other capital cities such as Santiago de Chile account for 510.569 bicycle trips, Mexico City for 433.981, and Rio de Janeiro for 217.000 (Ríos et al., 2015). Despite this progress, Bogotá lacks a comprehensive evaluation of both infrastructure quality and the user experience while cycling. This translational research article aimed to explore this gap by delving into the integration of user perceptions and experiences within the policy formulation process. This strategic approach is poised to enhance cycling’s allure as a mode of transportation for prospective cyclists while simultaneously maximizing the efficiency of investments in cycling infrastructure.