Region of Peel Walk and Roll in partnership with the University of Waterloo’s Waterloo Public Transportation Initiative, has published their GPS Cycling Study.
The purpose was to “collect data on cyclist behaviour and patterns that will help the Region accommodate current cycling activity and prioritize cycling investments. The study ran for three two-week periods between July and October 2012, with 212 participants. Several BikeBrampton members participated in the study.
Physical fitness was the main motivation, while lack of safety was the largest obstacle. Cyclists made 2400 trips totalling over 23,000 kilometres, with an average speed of 15 km/hr.
The study recommended:
- Traffic calming in areas of heavy cycling activity or on links where network connectivity may be significantly enhanced;
- Greater physical separation of cyclists and autos in areas where auto volumes are high;
- Improved lighting as a means to increase cyclists’ visibility and to enhance personal safety; and
- Increased attention to on-road cycling path maintenance.