Abstract

Attitudinal and perceptual factors are important determinants of bicycle use as a mode of transportation. Understanding how attitudes and perceptions vary across different population is critical for successful cycling promotion interventions. Drawing on research from the context of an African city, this paper examines attitudes and perceptions about utility cycling in the general population, and determines if there are differences in how males and females who have different cycling experience perceive cycling for commuting purposes. Using non-parametric test, the study found that attitudes and perceptions regarding the environmental, financial, exercise and potential health benefits of cycling for transportation were very positive generally, and slightly stronger in females who had never cycled before than in males in the same group. Cycling was also not perceived as the most comfortable, safe, easy, convenient and flexible mode of transportation suitable for long distance travel among the majority of the respondents. These perceptions and attitudes were pronounced in females in the sub-group of respondents who had never cycled before and those who cycled previously than in males in the same groups. Among frequent cyclists, males perceived cycling for commute as a less tiring activity than females. Moreover, cycling’s public image as a less prestigious mode of transport that could not be taken to important social events was prevalent among the respondents, although this perception was found to be stronger in males than in females who had not cycled before. The findings could inform tailored cycling promotion programmes within the general population and across specific groups.

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