What influences cycling infrastructure preferences? A stated-preference survey

We examine the difference in preferences among different cyclist groups, being the first to examine differences in cycling infrastructure preferences among s-pedelec, e-bike and conventional bike riders. We also examine how the cycling frequency of individuals shapes these preferences. To do so we develop a stated-preference choice experiment varying cycling infrastructure and car traffic features impacting cycling for both main and neighborhood streets. We find that while the sign of the preferences is the same for all cyclist types and is consistent with previous findings from the literature on cycling infrastructure preferences, e-bikers and especially s-pedelec riders do have a lower willingness to pay (WTP) for improvements of cycling infrastructure and are more comfortable in sharing the street space with cars. E-bikers do have similar preferences as conventional cyclists for the most important safety-related elements, i.e. for cycling paths instead of cycling lanes on main streets and “cycling-street” designation of neighborhood streets. For these same features, the WTP decreases with cycling frequency, less frequent cyclists valuing such elements more. At the same time, those who cycle less have a lower WTP for car traffic related features.