The 2006 Downtown Commuter Cyclist Survey was performed in late June and July. The survey was distributed by handing out paper surveys to cyclists entering the Central Business District between 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
There were many goals for the survey, but the overarching rationale was to understand the needs of bicycle commuters in order to prioritize facility improvements that will make cycling a more attractive downtown commuting option. The Downtown Commuter Cyclist survey is conducted approximately every five years.
Survey recommendations
- Improve downtown conditions for cyclists. Possible roads for on-street improvement include 10th Avenue, Second Avenue, 11th Street and First Street S.W..
- Improve on-street bicycle routes both inside and outside downtown. Use bike lanes, wide curb lanes, bicycle boulevards and traffic calming measures where appropriate.
- Conduct further research into the female cyclist demographic.
- Complete a survey of younger cyclists.
- Expand secure parking facilities and investigate the feasibility of publicly accessible change room and shower facilities.
Typical cyclists
Typical cyclists commuting to downtown are male, over 35 years of age and earn over $90,000 a year. They cycle to work nine months of the year for an average commute distance of 10 kilometres and 28 minutes each way. They commute by bicycle 145 days per year and their main reason for doing so is exercise. When not riding their bikes, they are most likely to take transit than any other mode. They have access to a car but choose not to drive it to work.
The improvements they'd most like to see and that they believe would make cycling easier for them include:
- Bike lanes in the downtown core
- Bike lanes outside downtown
- More pathways outside of the downtown
Related documents
