Appendix J - Results of Cognitive Testing

NHTSA National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors

Report of Findings from the Cognitive Interview Pretest

Prepared for: National Highways Safety Administration

Prepared by:

Abt Associates Inc.

4550 Montgomery Avenue

Suite 800 North

Bethesda, MD 20814-3343

Main Findings 1

Additional findings and recommendations 11

Respondents’ general reactions to the survey 26

Appendix: Detailed Interview Notes 29

This report summarizes the findings from nine cognitive interviews conducted with adults age 18 or older. The sample was recruited by an outside firm routinely used for this purpose. Respondents varied in age, education and their frequencies of riding bikes, walking and jogging¹. The interviews were conducted in the Abt Associates’ Cognitive Testing Laboratory, located in Bethesda. Interviews lasted an hour, on average. Each respondent signed a consent form and was compensated with a $50 American Express gift card at the end of the interview.

The first section of the report describes those problems that, in our judgment, most seriously affect the validity and reliability of answers. The second section reviews findings for those questions that were flagged prior to the pretest as having potential flaws or that might be difficult to answer. Section three summarizes respondents’ general reactions to the survey; these are taken mainly from the post-interview debriefing. The report Appendix contains the probes used in the interview protocol and the interviewers’ detailed notes for each question.

Main Findings

General Problem Remembering and Applying the Trip Definition

Respondents experienced difficulty remembering and using the definition of a trip for both biking and walking trips. These problems are partly due to the length and clarity of the definition, but also to the definition differing from what the word “trip” means to most respondents in everyday usage. Several respondents needed interviewer assistance to accurately count the number of trips.

Respondents often had problems with the definition of a walking trip. Some respondents did not hear that the question was asking only about walking outside, while others did not include jogging or running and simply answered in regard to their behaviors, attitudes or actions for non-exercise walking.

Question(s) affected:

• What was the main purpose of this trip?

• Where did this trip end?

• Did you take any more trips on this day?

• How many more bike/walking trips did you take on this day?

• Now, I’ll ask you about your –X- trip. You just mentioned that you ended your last trip at –X- Is this where you started you –Y- trip of the day?

• What was your starting point of this trip?

Remembering the definition

General problem: Respondents were unable to retain all of the information provided in a lengthy description of how trips are defined. They cannot easily remember to define their walking as divided into different segments (from a starting point to a stopping point) as requested without interviewer assistance.

For example, after first hearing the definition, one respondent remembered it almost verbatim. He then described trip 1 accurately—round trip was a loop from home back to home, with no stops, which matches how he normally thinks of a trip. He could then describe going from home to friend’s home and back—but the interviewer needed to note that this constituted two trips.

Selected respondent comments and responses to probes

• “Not easy to understand.”

• “Don’t remember the definition.”

• “Lost my train of thought…too many examples…got it after the first example.”

• “It was cumbersome and awkward.”

• “I don’t remember the definition of trip.”

Recommendation

• Reduce the number of examples of trips. One example that specifically highlights that for the purposes of this survey a trip is what one might normally think of as each “leg” of a trip. Explicitly acknowledging this point may help respondents both keep it in mind and use it.

Problem Reporting a single “number” of trips

At different points in the questionnaire (e.g. Q10), respondents had some difficulty adding up the number trips on a given day and reporting a single number as the question requires. Respondents usually had to talk through the day chronologically to identify their travels, but could not keep count at the same time without interviewer help.

Question(s) affected

• How many more bike/walking trips did you take on this day?

Example

• The respondent took a round trip and correctly counted it as one. However, she then said that if she was cycling or walking and she stopped in a store to get coffee, she would count leaving home, stopping at store, and returning home, as one trip. During this day she stopped many places but did not count these as separate trips.

• “Popping into stores while walking in town is not a separate trip.”

Recommendation

• One possibility is to ask respondents to report each trip and describe it. Train the interviewer to enter the segments and use CATI to provide the total.

Problems due to differences between walking for exercise vs. walking for errands or other reasons

Omission of jogging

When beginning the section of the questionnaire about walking trips, respondents are told, “This next section is about walking rather than biking. By walking we mean any outdoor walking, jogging, or running that lasts at least 5 minutes or more.”

General problem

The remainder of the questionnaire uses the term walk or walking and leads respondents to only report trips that involved walking; excluding jogging or running. They do no remember the words jogging or running from the section’s introduction.

Respondents’ comments

“Includes jogging? Remind people.”

“Meaning walk or run?”

“Didn’t think of jogging…Jogging behavior might be different than walking…e.g., take more risk in the dark.”

Recommendation

• First ask about jogging, aerobic walking or other walking for exercise (outside for five minutes or more). Follow this with a question about all other walking, for errands, going to work or for other reasons.

• This approach may also address the next problem.

Different patterns and habits for Exercise vs. Other Trips

General problem

When respondents remember (or are reminded) that the definition of walking includes jogging or running sometimes still have difficulty answering some questions. For example, people sometimes go to a particular place to jog, making it confusing to report their starting point. If they walk from home to a park to jog, should the starting point be their home or the point when they began to jog?

Question(s) affected

• When was the last time you walked outside for 5 minutes or more?

• Thinking about the past 30 days, about how many of those days did you walk?

• The last day you walked outside for 5 minutes or more, was it on a weekday or the weekend?

• What was the main purpose of this trip?

• Did you take any more walking trips on this day?

• How many more walking trips did you take on this day?

• When you were walking that day, did you walk mostly on

• On a typical day that you ride a bicycle, about how long do you ride? Don’t count any stops – just the average amount of time you travel on your bike. (Open ended and code time)

Examples of respondent comments

“Just walking, not running?”

“Answered ‘sidewalk’ because Q said ‘walk.’

“Includes jogging? Remind people.”

Recommendation

• If separate questions are used, as suggested above, it would be possible to create a skip pattern that will ask about walking separately from jogging or running.

• This may also improve reporting total numbers of trips for exercise because: a. the trip pattern is often a loop, returning to the same starting point, thus matching the survey definition and b) exercise is often done on a regular basis, making reporting the total (e.g. once in morning and once in evening) simpler.

Using the time of day scale

General problem

Respondents do not understand the terms “Evening” or “Nighttime when it was dark” uniformly. Respondents alternatively think of the scale points in terms of times, associated activities, or amount of light. These will produce incompatible definitions and hence reporting across respondents. If some respondents think of the scale in terms of activities or what time it is, their use of the scale will sometimes differ from respondents thinking of it in terms of the amount of light.

In addition, the purposes of the questions are unclear to some respondents. They were uncertain whether the questions were aimed at finding out how long they biked or walked or safety, as related to how dark it was outside.

Question(s) affected

• When you began riding your bicycle that day, did you begin riding during the:

• Afternoon

• Evening, or

• Nighttime when it was dark

• When you finished riding your bicycle that day, did your (last) trip end during the:

Respondent comments

One respondent said the question was asking about whether the trip took place when cars had headlights on and if it was rush hour or not. She also mentioned visibility and night blindness.

Another respondent felt that evening or nighttime when it was dark is the same thing. He also felt that it would be easy to confuse afternoon and evening. He thought that each person would define the time frames differently as in evening, early evening and later afternoon are the same time while late evening, night time or after dark are the same things. He felt it was very subjective.

One respondent said the question was trying to find out if people are traveling when it’s dark out. He defined evening as still light out, the sun is going down or is down but there is still perceptible light. “Headlights on cars are optional. You don’t need a flashlight to walk.”

Respondent felt it was asking for an estimate of how long you had been riding.

“Evening is more visual and dark. It is hard to see at nighttime.”

Respondent selected ‘nightime’ for bike trip and ‘evening’ for walking, but in both instances said it was ‘dusk.’

Respondent did not select an answer: said time was “afternoon into evening, about 4:00.”

Recommendation

• If the intent is to find out whether a trip began/ended when it was light, starting to get dark or dark, that can be asked more directly.

General problem

Respondents illustrated difficulty understanding what types of safety concerns the interviewer was asking about.

Question(s) affected

• What is the main reason that you hardly ever or never use sidewalks?

• Did you feel threatened for your personal safety at any time when you rode your bike that day?

• How satisfied are you with how your local community is designed for making bike riding/walking safe?

• Did you feel threatened for your personal safety because of any of the following?

• Why do you feel this way?

Key respondent quotes or behavior

The respondent defined a bike path as used exclusively for cyclists. It depends on motorists staying out of the lane. It is not the sidewalk. She also noted that she is not certain how safe it is to ride on the road but felt bike lanes would be about 80% safe.

The respondent felt it asking about trips during the daylight to determine the safety of the trip.

The respondent asked if this question was asking in terms of being mugged or something happening to you. She also asked if crossing the street counted.

“[Personal safety means] in a place where you could be mugged.”

The respondent said that it is too dangerous for cyclists because cars don’t follow the speed limit. They go too fast or too slow. He also said there is not enough room on the road for cyclists to ride safely. Not about sidewalks. Safety for well-being—more police.”

Respondent paused before answering, then said “not dangerous, but anything can happen.”

The respondent said it depended on the time of day. It is not safe after dark but is safe during the day.

The respondent was thinking about criminal activity, cyclists and tripping on uneven sidewalks in the dark.

The respondent said he was thinking about the lack of sidewalks in his neighborhood.

(Answered 1, safe) “Depends exactly where. Get hit by cars when trying to cross street.”

The respondent said it was safe on the sidewalk – she wasn’t sure about the street.

The respondent said biking was safer than walking because cyclists stand out more and can go faster.

“Hard to answer—compared to other places. Safety..traffic and parked cars; people exiting and pedestrians cut you off; pets.”

“Cars. Vandals—unsavoury individuals.”

The respondent said it depended on the time of day, rush hour versus off time versus holidays.

Recommendation

Clearly define safety in regards to biking, walking, jogging or running specifically.

Problems with some other scales

General problem

Respondents indicated that response options were too detailed. In addition, some response options were missing completely.

Question(s) affected

Are there sidewalks in your neighborhood

1. Along almost all streets

2. Along most streets

3. Along some streets, or

4. Along almost no streets

• Respondent difficulty deciding on an answer when there is a mix of types in their neighborhood, suggest that there may be reliability problems.

• One respondent who lives in a rural area wanted a “None” option.

During the past year, how much of your biking/walking was done when it was dark or nearly dark outside?

During the past year, how often did you use an electronic device like a cell phone or mp3 player WHILE YOU WERE RIDING YOUR BIKE?/WHILE YOU WERE WALKING Did you use an electronic device during:

• Seasonal variations in behavior make this difficult for some respondents.

• Behaviors can change if new devices are acquired or discarded during the year.

When you are bicycling, how often do you have to change your route because of obstacles, such as construction, heavy traffic, and roads in poor condition? Does this happen nearly all of the time, most, some, or almost none of the time?

• Some uncertainty about which other types of obstacles to include.

• Another common problem generally with questions that give examples. Many respondents limit themselves to the specific examples provided and do not generalize beyond them.

Respondent comments

The respondent felt she was not able to answer because there are no sidewalks in her neighborhood. She wanted none as an option.

The respondent defined some as 5%-10%

The respondent said that it would be easier for him to answer as a percent rather that sometimes, most of the time, etc.

(Answered 2, some) “Add ‘quarter’.”

Recommendation

• Shorten the one-year reference periods.

Additional findings and Recommendations

This section includes findings in response to the client-flagged issues, with a focus on those issues for which we found evidence of question problems.

Client issue: Is this description clear?

Question: I would now like to know about EACH of the individual trips that you made on the last day you rode a bicycle. A TRIP is defined as going from a starting point to a destination for a specific purpose without any stops along the way. If you left your house to go on a bike ride with no real destination and returned to your house that would be considered ONE trip. If you rode from your house to a friend's house for a visit, then rode back home, that would be TWO trips. If you rode from your home to a friend’s house, then to a store, and then back home again, that would count as THREE trips. I am going to ask about these individual trips one at a time.

Problems with the question:

Respondents find it difficult to clearly understand and utilize the given definition of a trip. They cannot easily define how their journeys can be divided into different segments, or trips, according to the above description.

Quotes

R first took a round trip and correctly counted it as one. However, she then said that if she was cycling or walking and she stopped in a store to get coffee, she would count leaving home, stopping at store, and returning home, as one trip. During this day she stopped many places but did not count these as separate trips.

After the first reading of the instructions, Respondent remembered the direction almost verbatim. He then described trip 1 accurately—round trip, loop from home to home, no stops. He described trips 2 and 3 accurately—going from home to friend’s house and back. However, he then said his ‘third trip of the day’ was when he went from home to the store and back home again, that is, for this outing he mistakenly counted two trips as one.

“Not easy to understand.”

“It was cumbersome and awkward.”

By Q10 – “I don’t remember the definition of trip.”

Recommendation

Cut down on number of examples.

Client issue: In 2002, the questionnaire asked after Q4 how many total trips were made that day, then later asked these questions after going through the extended module asking the characteristics of the day’s first trip. It was basically repeating the same thing, so I deleted the first Responses to client issues, comments & questions

Question: How many more bike trips did you take on this day?

Problem with the question

Respondents cannot figure out the total number of trips regardless of when it is asked during the interview. In addition, respondent expressed difficulty determining the number of trips according to the definition supplied to them.

Quotes

The respondent first took a round trip and correctly counted it as one. However, she then said that if she was cycling or walking and she stopped in a store to get coffee, she would count leaving home, stopping at store, and returning home, as one trip. During this day she stopped many places but did not count these as separate trips.

After the first reading of the instructions, Respondent remembered the direction almost verbatim. He then described trip 1 accurately—round trip, loop from home to home, no stops. He described trips 2 and 3 accurately—going from home to friend’s house and back. However, he then said his ‘third trip of the day’ was when he went from home to the store and back home again, that is, for this outing he mistakenly counted two trips as one.

“Lost my train of thought…too many examples…got it after the first example.”

“It was cumbersome and awkward.”

By Q10 – “I don’t remember the definition of trip.”

Recommendation

Cut down on number of examples.

Client issue: Is it clear that this is for the last trip of the day?

Question: When you finished riding your bicycle/walking that day, did your (last) trip end during the…

Problem with the question

None found

Recommendation

None

Client issue: Are the definitions between bike lanes and bike paths understandable?

Question: When you rode your bicycle that day, did you ride mostly on…

• Or some other surface (list)

• Paved roads, not on shoulder

• Shoulders of paved roads

• Bike lanes on roads

• Sidewalks

• Bike paths, walking paths or trails

• Unpaved roads (e.g., dirt, gravel, sand)

Problem with the question

Respondents who use paths know the definition but bike lanes is less clear among other riders.

Recommendation

None

Client issue: Are the response options clear?

Question: When riding your bike in the street, did you mostly ride…

When walking (in the street/on the shoulder) were you usually walking…

• Facing traffic, that is, riding/walking against the direction of the cars, or

• With traffic, that is riding/walking in the same direction as the cars

Problem with the question

Respondents understood the response options but felt that an alternative option suggested by interviewers may be more clear.

Quotes

Respondent felt that the “might be easier to comprehend.”

The respondent said that saying the same direction of traffic is clear and suggested changing cars to traffic.

Recommendation

Alternative phrasing can be considered: Another way of asking this might be: When riding your bike in the street, did you mostly ride in the same direction as the cars, or in the opposite direction? Is that clearer or less clear?

Client issue: I would like cognitive probing on this question to find out if people are interpreting it in a uniform way and that it is getting at what we want.

Question: During the past year, how often did you use an electronic device like a cell phone or mp3 player WHILE YOU WERE RIDING YOUR BIKE? Did you use an electronic device during…

Problem with the question

No serious problems found.

Recommendation

None

Client issue: Any problems answering this question?

Question

On a typical day that you ride a bicycle, about how long do you ride? Don’t count any stops – just the average amount of time you travel on your bike. (Open ended and code time)

Problem with the question

No serious problems found.

Recommendation

None

Client issue: Is the definition clear?

Question: Are bike PATHS, that is, marked lanes on a public road reserved for bikes to travel, available in the area where you live?

Problem with the question

Respondents reported issues with lanes that are not clearly marked and cars often using what may be bike lanes, especially when making turns.

Recommendation

None

Client issue: Is the definition clear?

Question: Are bike LANES, that is, marked lanes on a public road reserved for bikes to travel, available in the area where you live?

Problem with the question

Respondents reported issues with lanes that are not clearly marked and cars often using what may be bike lanes, especially when making turns.

Recommendation

None

Client issue: Are there any additional major things they would like us to include in the Are the following questions difficult to answer?

Question

When you are bicycling, how often do you have to change your route because of obstacles, such as construction, heavy traffic, and roads in poor condition?

Problem with the question

No serious problems found

Recommendation

None

Client issue: Is this question clear?

Question

In your opinion, how much protection against head injuries do bike helmets provide children/adults?

Problem with the question

Respondents without children expressed some difficulty with the question. In addition, respondents often had to have the questions repeated to understand that it was asking about head injuries specifically.

Recommendation

Train interviewers to emphasize HEAD injuries.

Client issue: Are they interpreting this solely as safety changes or any changes?

Question

Are there any you would like made in your community for bicyclists/pedestrians?

Problem with the question

Instead of answering with a “yes” or “no” as intended, respondents began listing the changes they would like made.

In addition, it was found that bikers versus pedestrians respond to these questions differently. Pedestrians tend to answer in terms of personal safety (crimes such as muggings) while bikers mentioned personal safety but also considered environmental safety such as hitting a crack in a bike path or sidewalk.

Recommendation

Train interviewers to begin coding with a yes once respondents being listing the changes they would like to see.

In addition, to ensure people are thinking about safety in with regards to personal and environmental safety, switch the order of the question so biking is asked first. The questions are asked of every respondent so it should help to ensure they are understood uniformly.

Client issue: Is this description clear?

Question

I would now like to know about EACH of the individual trips that you made on the last day you walked. A TRIP is defined as going from a starting point to a destination for a specific purpose without any stops along the way. If you left your house on a walk with no real destination and returned to your house that would be considered ONE trip. If you walked from your house to a friend's house for a visit, then walked back home, that would be TWO trips. If you walked from your home to a friend’s house, then to a store, and then back home again, that would count as THREE trips. I am going to ask about these individual trips one at a time.

Problem with the question

Respondents find it difficult to clearly understand and utilize the given definition of a trip. They cannot easily define how their journeys can be divided into different segments, or trips, according to the above description.

Quotes

The respondent felt this instruction was going to irritate people. She went to the library today and she thought that should be counted as 2 trips according to the definition but said she would count it as one trip. She is not sure people would understand the definition of trips.

The respondent said it was clear the second time it is read but suggested using the term round trip.

“Break up the legs of the trip. Each destination [equals a ] leg.”

Recommendation

Cut down on the number of examples.

Client issue: In 2002, the questionnaire asked after Q4 how many total trips were made that day, then later asked these questions after going through the extended module asking the characteristics of the day’s first trip. It was basically repeating the same thing, so I deleted the first Responses to client issues, comments & questions

Question

How many more walking trips did you take on this day?

Problem with the question

Respondents cannot figure out the total number of trips regardless of when it is asked during the interview. Respondents also expressed difficulty determining the number of trips according to the definition supplied to them. In addition, respondents reported that they only considered walking trips; excluding jogging or running.

Quotes

The respondent first took a round trip and correctly counted it as one. However, she then said that if she was cycling or walking and she stopped in a store to get coffee, she would count leaving home, stopping at store, and returning home, as one trip. During this day she stopped many places but did not count these as separate trips.

The respondent did not realize that this was only meant for outdoor walking so she included walking the floors of her building – 24 times)

The respondent asked about whether he should answer in regards to running. Interviewer reread the instructions. The respondent then asked if there were going to be future questions about running. The interviewer read the instruction again and the respondent decided to answer based upon only his walking behaviors.

Recommendation

Cut down on number of examples. Emphasize that jogging and running are included as walking throughout the survey.

Client issue: I would like probing on this

Question

During the past year, how often did you use an electronic device like a cell phone or mp3 player WHILE YOU WERE walking outside? Did you use an electronic device during…

Problem with the question

Respondents commented that the term WHILE YOU WERE walking should be further defined with while you were in motion.

Quotes

The respondent thought it meant anytime outside, including stopping to talk at the corner or running into a shop.

The respondent said it meant being healthy and not being preoccupied by a kindle or other devices.

The respondent said someone who had stopped would not count.

“In motion. If I stopped to make a call, I wouldn’t answer ‘yes’.“

“Does it include stopping and using the phone? Answered ‘none,’ only if it means in motion. [Answer would be different] if it included while stopped.”

“Maybe give a third example, re monitoring exercise, heart rate. Also, smart phone, smart watches; did you text.”

Client issue: Are there any problems answering this question?

Question

Are there sidewalks in your neighborhood…

• Along almost all streets

• Along most streets

• Along some streets, or

• Along almost no streets

Problem with the question

One respondent felt that the response options were inadequate because there are no sidewalks in her neighborhood.

Recommendation

Add No streets as a response option.

Client issue: Are there any problems answering this question?

Question

In what condition are these sidewalks?

Problem with the question

No serious problems found

Recommendation

None

Client issue: Are there any problems answering this question?

Question

What do flashing red lights on a school bus mean for an approaching driver?

Problem with the question

No serious problems found

Recommendation

None

Client issue: Are there any problems answering this question?

Question

If a pedestrian is walking in the street after dark and not wearing reflective clothing, how close would you say an approaching car has to be to see the pedestrian directly ahead? [Distance Can Be Reported In Either Feet, Yards, or Car Lengths]Problem with the question

Problem with the question

There are too many unknown variables

Quotes

“Jaywalking? I’m picturing them crossing—or walking on the side, often with back to traffic.”

Recommendation

None

Client issue: Are there any problems answering this question?

Question

Drivers in my community usually yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Problem with the question

None

Recommendation

None

Client issue: Is this question clear?

Question

Driver manuals that are used to study for a driver’s license should include information about how to avoid accidents with Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Problem with the question

The question is long and detailed after a serious of shorter questions

Quotes

The respondent asked interviewer to read a second time.

Recommendation

Instruct interviewers to be prepared to reread the question

Client issue: Is this question clear?

Question

Driver manuals that are used to study for a driver’s license should include information about how to avoid accidents with Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Problem with the question

The question is long and detailed after a serious of shorter questions

Quotes

The respondent asked interviewer to read a second time.

Recommendation

Instruct interviewers to be prepared to reread the question

Client issue: Are there any problems answering this question?

Question

Is it safe or dangerous to walk/to ride a bicycle in your neighborhood?

Problem with the question

There are some indications that respondents are not answering the question uniformly. Walkers tend to think about safety in terms of criminality while bicyclists think about criminality as well as concern the safety of physically riding their bikes.

Walking Quotes

The respondent asked if this question was asking in terms of being mugged or something happening to you. She also asked if crossing the street counted.

“[Personal safety means] in a place where you could be mugged.”

“Not about sidewalks. Safety for well-being—more police.”(Answered 1, safe) Respondent paused before answering, then said “not dangerous, but anything can happen.”

The respondent said it depended on the time of day. It is not safe after dark but is safe during the day.

The respondent was thinking about criminal activity, cyclists and tripping on uneven sidewalks in the dark.

The respondent said he was thinking about the lack of sidewalks in his neighborhood.

“Depends exactly where. Get hit by cars when trying to cross street.”

“[Safe on] side streets, mostly.”

Biking quotes

The respondent said it was safe on the sidewalk – she wasn’t sure about the street.

The respondent said biking was safer than walking because cyclists stand out more and can go faster.

The respondent said it depended on the time of day, rush hour versus off time versus holidays.

“Hard to answer—compared to other places. Safety. traffic and parked cars; people exiting and pedestrians cut you off; pets.”

“Cars. Vandals—unsavory individuals.”

Recommendation

Ask about biking safety before asking about walking safety.

Client issue: Please find categories for interviewers to check off during the interview

Question

Why do you feel this way?

Problem with the question

No serious problems found but the question was only asked of a single respondent.

Recommendation

None

Client issue: Are there any problems with the question

Question

In your opinion, what should be the youngest age that a child is allowed to cross a neighborhood street alone? A neighborhood street is defined as having low traffic volume and low traffic speeds.

Problem with the question

Respondents without children found the question difficult to answer. In addition, some respondents felt that the term allow meant that there was a law about children crossing the street.

Quotes

The respondent said that it had never occurred to her that there would be a law. She further said that “allowed” is different than a parent permitting a child to cross a street.

The respondent said 8- not too young but they have to have enough knowledge of the road and the ability to pay attention to cars and looking in both directions before crossing.

“10, wow that’s a tough one.” She said she wouldn’t consider below 10 and that she was trying to picture a sleepy community and the safety patrols at school crossings.

The respondent was thinking about his own kids and at what age kids become cognizant of speed and looking both ways for traffic.

“Out in the neighborhood alone? That’s a different question. To go to neighbor’s across street, age 5.”

“Hmmm. Maybe 7. Picturing teaching our kids to walk to elementary school—they’re not so impulsive at that age.”

“Need options, a range. Depends on traffic. Here [in city], age 10.”

Recommendation

Create a skip pattern that does not ask this question of people without children. In addition, change the term allow to permit.

Client issue: Is this the best way to get riding frequency?

Question

How many days does this child ride a bicycle during a typical week during the summer?

Problem with the question

No serious problems found but the question was only asked of a single respondent.

Recommendation

None

Client issue: Any problems with this question?

Question

In general, how easy or difficult is it for you to travel to the places in your community where you would like to go?

Problem with the question

No serious problems found with this question.

Recommendation

None

Respondents’ general reactions to the survey

Sample composition (respondent profiles)

R1 F, age 35, bachelor’s degree. Bikes once a year and walks daily. She was very articulate and had researched the topic prior to the interview.

R2 M, age 28, some college. Bikes twice a week and walks daily. He was very articulate but did not include running in any of his answers regarding his walking behaviors.

R3 F, age 69. She was very articulate and not very physically active. She never rides a bicycle and walks the floors of her apartment building for exercise.

R4 M, age 51. He bikes twice a week walks almost every day. He did not answer any of his questions about walking with regards to his jogging or running habits.

R5 F, age 44, graduate degree. Bikes at least once/month in good weathers; walks at least twice/weekly in good weather, most recently in past month, not in past week. Lives in far suburban neighborhood where single-family homes occupy several acres each.
R6 M, age 50, graduate degree. Never biked. Walks and/or jogs every day. Lives in single-family home in busy (traffic) suburb.

R7 F, age 52, graduate degree.Bikes at least once weekly in good weather. Walks every day. Lives in city.

R8 M, age 23, high-school education. Bikes at least once weekly; Walks almost every day.

R9 M, age 33, JD degree. Used to bike a lot but hasn’t biked for a couple of years. Walks every day. Recently moved into city.

Respondents’ general comments

Respondent 1

• The respondent thought more questions on law enforcement, safety, driver awareness, fumes, more bike lanes and lighting standards should be added.

• The respondent found counting the number of trips and the concept of a trip was difficult (round trip, multiple legs) and the question about road surfaces could be difficult because that did not apply to her.

• The respondent said that people might have trouble defining a neighborhood.

• The respondent felt that questions regarding safety might be sensitive if people did not live in a good area.

Respondent 2

• The respondent appeared to find the entire questionnaire interesting

• The respondent thought that questions about additional safety equipment could be added for cyclists, such as elbow and knee pads. He also mentioned appropriate

Respondent 3

• The respondent felt the survey was easy but it takes too long. 10 minutes is the max for any cold call survey

• The respondent felt that cyclists needed rules on etiquette and manners. They need rules. She felt the DC rent a bikes were out of control.

• The respondent felt some questions were too nitpicky. Some scales were too long. She felt people multitasking on a phone survey will lose interest.

• The respondent felt the questions about sidewalks and injuries were interesting.

• The respondent felt some people might not be honest about health questions because people are proud. They might not want to admit health issues.

Respondent 4

• The respondent the questions were relatively easy but some were based on interpretation – e.g. what is the neighborhood.

• The respondent felt that questions about arm signals should be added.

• The respondent felt the questions about access to riding and walking were interesting. He thought the questions about driving were least interesting.

Respondent 5

• Questions weren’t difficult, but neighborhoods are so different. Some of the questions are more tailored to a busier suburban or urban neighborhood than mine…I felt the survey wasn’t going to capture me because I live on several acres—all the houses in the neighborhood [are that way].

• Dissecting legs [of trip] –cumbersome to piece apart…awkward.

• Do a separate section for jogging or running.

• Most of my walking has a destination—social, with friends—combines recreation and exercise.

• Survey felt a little disjointed—flow not consistent…. Separating biking and walking. Start with questions about the neighborhood, then [ask] specifics about habits in that area.

• Most of my walking has a destination—social, with friends—combines recreation and exercise. Not solitary most of the time…No errands within walking distance—no schools, shops.

Respondent 6

• Understanding ‘walking’ to include ‘running’ was odd for me.

• Some general questions like do you use sidewalk, depends on [whether you’re talking about] walking or running.

• [A little] difficult to know what is right answer [to some questions] such as how far away can you see a pedestrian in the dark.

• [Most interesting questions were those regarding] issues of what we’re doing in the community to make it safer.

• Many trips—chronology—just ask per trip: how many stops and where?

Respondent 7

• [Include other things re bike safety?] I’m interested in rights between pedestrians, bikes, cars. I see all sides. Pedestrians need to be more responsible for their own safety. They walk in front of bikes all the time. They should have all the rights and no responsibilities. Ask about communities where bikes have more rights—what works? [Also] Didn’t ask about bike gear—reflective, etc.

• Have more about personal cell phone use—just to find out, measure.

• [Have to think about most?] Definition of community and two blocks.

• [Difficult questions} Measurement for pedestrian visibility. Give some frame of reference, e.g., car lengths.

• Jogging behavior might be different than walking, e.g., take more risks—in dark.

• Avid bike commuters—very different behavior—need own segment.

Respondent 8—left early; no debriefing.

Respondent 9

• [Survey should include re pedestrian safety?] Police presence. Others in the neighborhood who walk or run—that impacts what I do. You do what others do.

• Neighborhood/community/area where you live: all the same.

• [Questions others might find difficult?] If live in more rural areas, answers are different re roads. Safety is different in different areas.

• [Questions people might find sensitive?] Safety issues—pedestrians. People might take it the wrong way. Might wonder what you’re aiming for.

Appendix: Detailed Interview Notes

1 When was the last time you rode a bicycle? Do not include stationary bikes. (Open ended and code time frame)

1. Within the past week

2. Within the past month, but not the past week

3. Within the past year, but not past month

4. 1-2 years ago

5. 3-5 years ago

6. More than 5 years ago (Skip to #34) Page 16

7. Never (Skip to #34) Page 16

What were you thinking?

R1 Respondent said it was hard to recall the time frame but decided it was within the past year.

R2 Respondent felt the question should have a specific time frame within the question.

2 Do you have a bicycle available for your use? Again, do not include stationary bikes.

1. Yes

2. No (Skip to instruction before #4)

3. (DK) (Skip to instruction before #4)

4. (Refused) (Skip to instruction before #4)

If #1 = 1 or 2 (rode within past week or month), skip to #4

R1 Respondent said she had bicycles available but she referred to the bike share program in the city. She does not own a bike.

3. Only if yes to having a bike and ridden in the past month

Why haven’t you ridden your bicycle recently? (Multiple Record) (Open ended and code)

1. Bad weather

2. Too busy, no opportunity

3. Bike is broken

4. No safe place to ride

5. Disability/other health impairment

6. Other transportation is faster

7. Don’t know how to ride a bike

8. Other (specify)

9. (DK)

10. (Refused)

Continue if #1 = 1 or 2 (rode w/in past week or month). Otherwise skip to #24. Page 13

What does recently mean to you?

R4 The respondent said recently was within the past 2 weeks for question 1 and within the past 2 days for this follow-up prompt.

If not in the past month, skip to Q24. P. 13

4. Thinking about the past 30 days, about how many of those days did you ride a bicycle? (Open ended and code actual number)

00 None (Skip to #24)

01-

31

98 (DK)

99 (Refused)

R2 Respondent first attempted to answer in the past week (5 days). He ended with 13 days by starting at the 1^st of March and averaging 5 days a week. It would have been correct as an average for the date of the interview. Despite rereading the conversation several times, the respondent never considered looking at the past 30 days. It was always a week average and then the beginning of the interview month.

5 The last day you rode a bicycle, was it on a weekday or the weekend?

1. Weekday (Monday – Friday)

2. Weekend (Saturday or Sunday)

3. (DK)

4. (Refused)

R1 Respondent could not remember if it was a weekday or weekend. She said it was a vacation so it didn’t register as to the day.

REVIEWER NOTE: READ SLOWLY:)

I would now like to know about EACH of the individual trips that you made on the last day you rode a bicycle. A TRIP is defined as going from a starting point to a destination for a specific purpose without any stops along the way. If you left your house to go on a bike ride with no real destination and returned to your house that would be considered ONE trip. If you rode from your house to a friend's house for a visit, then rode back home, that would be TWO trips. If you rode from your home to a friend’s house, then to a store, and then back home again, that would count as THREE trips. I am going to ask about these individual trips one at a time.

What are the main things you remember from what I just read?

R1 Respondent said she was trying to track the definition of a trip. She referred to round trips, legs of a trip and starting a trip versus returning. She felt the definition was a little distracting. Throughout the interview, the respondent used a round trip and counted it was one. However, she also said that if she was cycling or walking and she stopped in a store to get coffee, she would count that as one trip. “popping into stores while walking in town is not a separate trip.”

R2 Respondent remembered the direction almost verbatim. 1^st trip starting and going home, 2^nd trip starting at home, going to friends and back home and 3^rd trip starting at home, going to the store and returning home. Although he didn’t explain 3 trips, he was able to quote the examples and seemed to understand the definition of 3 trips.

R4 The respondent said it was defining what constitutes a trip and a trip is predicated on the different parts of transportation. He understood the stop. He said he could differentiate the number of trips pretty clearly. Interviewer note: if needed, he has a good quote – has to be looked up.

If R remembers parts of it, but does not mention trip definition:

Do you remember how a ‘trip’ is defined?

If R reports very little: I’ll read it once more.

Then ask: Do you remember how a ‘trip’ is defined?

6. Thinking of this last day that you rode your bike, what was your starting point for your first trip of the day? (Open ended and code)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Home

07 Friend or relative’s home

08 Work

09 School/Campus

10 Park/field

11 Grocery store/Drug store/Convenience store

12 Mall/Strip mall/Shopping center

13 Restaurant

14 Train/subway/bus station or stop

R1 Respondent said that rental places should be added

7. What was the main purpose of this trip? (Open ended and code)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Commuting to work

07 Commuting to school

08 Recreation

09 Exercise/for my health

10 Personal errands (to the store, post office, and so on)

11 Required for my job

12 Drop off/Pick up someone

13 Visit a friend or relative

8. Where did this trip end? (Open ended and code)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)/A location you cannot remember

03 (Refused)/A location you prefer not to share

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Home

07 Friend or relative’s home

08 Work

09 School/Campus

10 Park/field

11 Grocery store/Drug store/Convenience store

12 Mall/Strip mall/Shopping center

13 Restaurant

14 Train/subway/bus station or stop

9. Did you take any more bike trips on this day?

1 Yes (Continue)

2 No (Skip to #15) page 11

3 (DK) (Skip to #15) page 11

4 (Refused) (Skip to #15) page 11

If ‘No’: What were you thinking?

R1 Respondent said she was thinking about where she started her day. In addition, she found it difficult to remember if she had ridden a bike or walked.

10. How many more bike trips did you take on this day? (Open ended and code actual number)

01-

30

31 31 or more

32 (DK)

33 (Refused)

How did you come up with _x_ trips? What were you thinking?

R1 Respondent said she defined a round trip, trips with multiple stops (popping into a store) and going back and forth as one trip. For example a trip to the ice cream store, then to town, then back to the house is equal to one trip.

R1 She also varied between having taking 4 trips or 3 trips total.

If more than 1 trip go to trip sheet

(SURVENT NOTE: Ask #11-#14 for each trip before going to the next trip, if applicable)

11. Now, I'll ask you about your (read A-E, as appropriate) trip. You just mentioned you ended your last trip at (a) (response in #8 or #13 A-D, as appropriate). Is this where you started your (read A-E) trip of the day?

1 Yes

2 No

3 (No more trips) - (Skip to #15)

4 (DK)

5 (Refused)

A. (If code 01-31 in #10, ask:) Second _____(1360)

B. (If code 02-31 in #10, ask:) Third _____(1361)

C. (If code 03-31 in #10, ask:) Fourth _____(1362)

D. (If code 04-31 in #10, ask:) Fifth _____(1363)

E. (If code 05-31 in #10, ask:) Sixth _____(1364)

(For each code 1 in #11 A-E,

Autocode response from #8 or #14 A-D, as appropriate

into #12 A-E, as appropriate AND Skip to #13;

Otherwise, Continue)

12. What was your starting point for this trip? (Display A-E, as appropriate) (Open ended and code)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Home

07 Friend or relative’s home

08 Work

09 School/Campus

10 Park/field

11 Grocery store/Drug store/Convenience store

12 Mall/Strip mall/Shopping center

13 Restaurant

14 Train/subway/bus station or stop

A. (If code 01-31 in #10, ask:) Second

(1366)

B. (If code 02-31 in #10, ask:) Third

(1368)

C. (If code 03-31 in #10, ask:) Fourth

D. (If code 04-31 in #10, ask:) Fifth

E. (If code 05-31 in #10, ask:) Sixth

(1374)

13. What was the main purpose of this trip? (Display A-E, as appropriate) (Open ended and code)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Commuting to work

07 Commuting to school

08 Recreation

09 Exercise/for my health

10 Personal errands (to the store, post office, and so on)

11 Required for my job

12 Drop off/Pick up someone

13 Visit a friend or relative

A. (If code 01-31 in #10, ask:) Second

B. (If code 02-31 in #10, ask:) Third

C. (If code 03-31 in #10, ask:) Fourth

D. (If code 04-31 in #10, ask:) Fifth

E. (If code 05-31 in #10, ask:) Sixth

14. Where did this trip end? (Display A-E, as appropriate) (Open ended and code)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)/A location you cannot remember

03 (Refused)/A location you prefer not to share

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Home

07 Friend or relative’s home

08 Work

09 School/Campus

10 Park/field

11 Grocery store/Drug store/Convenience store

12 Mall/Strip mall/Shopping center

13 Restaurant

14 Train/subway/bus station or stop

A. (If code 01-31 in #10, ask:) Second

B. (If code 02-31 in #10, ask:) Third

C. (If code 03-31 in #10, ask:) Fourth

D. (If code 04-31 in #10, ask:) Fifth

E. (If code 05-31 in #10, ask:) Sixth

15. When you began riding your bicycle that day, did you begin riding during the:

1 Morning

2 Afternoon

3 Evening, or

4 Nighttime when it was dark

5 Don’t Know

6 Refused

16. When you finished riding your bicycle that day, did your (last) trip end during the:

1 Morning

2 Afternoon

3 Evening, or

4 Nighttime when it was dark

5 Don’t Know

6 Refused

R7 (Answered 5, nighttime) “Left around 4:15, dusk…if you had lights on your bike.”

R8 (Answered DK) “Afternoon into evening, about 4:00.”

What do you think this question is trying to find out? Note whether R mentions ‘did trip end before dark or after dark.’

R1 Respondent said the question was asking about whether the trip took place when cars had headlights on and if it was rush hour or not. She also mentioned visibility and night blindness.

R2 Respondent felt that evening or Nightime when it was dark is the same thing. He also felt that it would be easy to confuse afternoon and evening. He thought that each person would define the time frames as differently as in evening, early evening and later afternoon are the same time while late evening, night time or after dark are the same things. He felt it was very subjective.

R4 The respondent said the question was trying to find out if people are traveling when it’s dark out. He defined evening as still light out, the sun is going down or is down but there is still perceptible light. Headlights on cars are optional. You don’t need a flashlight to walk.

Alternate: Would you tell me in your own words what this question is asking?

R2 Respondent felt it was asking for an estimate of how long you had been riding.

17. When you rode your bicycle that day, did you ride mostly on (read 06-11, then 01)?

01 Or some other surface (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 Hold

05 Hold

06 Paved roads, not on shoulder (Skip to #19)

07 Shoulders of paved roads (Skip to #19)

08 Bike lanes on roads (Skip to #19)

09 Sidewalks

10 Bike paths, walking paths or trails

11 Unpaved roads (e.g., dirt, gravel, sand) (Skip to #19)

R7 (Answered 6, paved) “Whatever the main road is.”

What’s the main difference between a bike lane and a bike path?

R1 The respondent defined shoulder of paved roads as having a line differentiating the road and the lane. She felt shoulders of roads were safer to ride and cars are “less likely to veer into.”

R2 Respondent said a bike lane is when people can ride on the road and there is a symbol on the road defining it as a bike lane. A trail or path is just for walking or bikes using the same pathway.

R4 The respondent said a bike lane is adjacent to the motorway. It is defined with arrows and had clear images of bikes. A bike path is a designated path which is paved for biking and running (Capital Crescent).

18. Was any of this ride on streets or roads where cars could travel?

1. Yes

2. No (Skip to #20)

3. (Don’t Know) (Skip to #20)

4. Refused) (Skip to #20)

R2 The respondent initially said no but then changed it to yes after thinking through the question. He said that when he said no, he wasn’t considering sidewalks. He felt it should be made more clear that riding on sidewalks of roads with motor vehicles should count.

19. When riding your bike in the street, did you mostly ride(read 1-2)?

1 Facing traffic, that is, riding against the direction of the cars

2 With traffic, that is riding in the same direction as the cars

3 (Varies/Depends)

4 (Not applicable/Never ride in the street)

5 (DK)

6 (Refused)

If R hesitates: What were you thinking?

Alternate: Another way of asking this might be: When riding your bike in the street, did you mostly ride in the same direction as the cars, or in the opposite direction? Is that clearer or less clear?

R1 Respondent felt that this “might be easier to comprehend.

R4 The respondent said that saying the same direction of traffic is clear and suggested changing cars to traffic.

Alternate: How would you describe the direction you were riding most of the time?

20. Was anyone else with you when you were riding your bicycle that day, or was all your riding done alone?

01 Rode with others

02 Rode alone

03 (DK)

04 (Refused)

21. Did you feel threatened for your personal safety at any time when you rode your bike that day?

1 Yes (Continue)

2 No (Skip to #24) skip 1- p 14

3 (DK) (Skip to #24) skip 1- p 14

4 (Refused) (Skip to #24 skip 1- p 14

R7 (Answer, No) “From traffic or other…? Could be a lot of things. I don’t know what degree of ‘threatened’ they want. .[could feel threatened] in some areas.”

22. Did you feel threatened for your personal safety because of any of the following? How about (read and rotate A-E, then F)?

1 Yes

2 No

3 (DK)

4 (Refused)

A. Motorists

B. The potential for crime

C. Uneven walkways or roadway surfaces

D. Dogs or other animals

E. Something else? (If "Yes", ask:) What else? (Open ended)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 No/Nothing else

05 Too much bicycle or pedestrian traffic

06 Lack of room to ride

07 Obstacles blocking path

08 Not maintained

R7 (Answered 01, other) “[Depends on] how you cross. ..Where to put bike safely. Now I wouldn’t leave [my bike] without a bike rack [to put it in]…it’s helpful to know where [bike racks] are.”

If R hesitates: What were you thinking? [note any comment about the term ‘motorist’]

Alternate: What were you thinking? [note what term R uses to describe the drivers or cars] Do you think it would be clearer to say {term R used} instead of ‘motorist’ or not make any difference?

If code 1 motorists in #22A, Continue; Otherwise, Skip to #24)

23. What did motorists do to make you feel threatened? (Open ended and code) (Multiple Record)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Cut me off

07 Entered intersection without looking

08 Drove very close to me

09 Honked at me

10 Almost hit me/near miss

11 Just the presence of the motorist was threatening

12 Too fast

24. Now I’d like to find out how people learn about bicycling safety. In the past five years, have you received any training in bicycling safety?

1. Yes

2. No (Skip to #26)

3. (DK) (Skip to #26)

4. (Refused) (Skip to #26)

R9 (Answered 1, ‘yes’) “Motorcycle class.”

25. Who provided the training to you? (Open ended and code)

1. Bicycle store

2. Police

3. Friends

4. Teachers/schools

5. Bicycle club

6. State/Local bike programs

7. Family

8. Other (specify)

26. If you wanted to learn (if #24 = 1 got safety lesson, insert the word “more”) about bicycling safety, where would you go or look for information? (Open ended and code)(Multiple Record)

1. Bicycle store

2. Department of Motor vehicles

3. Police

4. Automobile Association

5. Teachers/Schools

6. Bicycle Club

7. State/Local Bike programs

8. Book/Magazine/Video Store

9. Internet

10. Family

11. NHTSA

12. (DK)

13. (Refused)

Continue if #1 = 1, 2, or 3. Otherwise skip to #34.

R1 The respondent mentioned bike to work week

R2 The respondent mentioned the MD DOT office and the library

R4 The respondent mentioned the Boy Scouts (he had taken a safety traffic class with them as a child).

R7 (Answered 6, bike club) “American Bicycle Club—need another category.”

27. During the past year, how much of your biking was done when it was dark or nearly dark outside? (Read 5-0)

5 Nearly all

4 More than half

3 About half

2 Some

1 Almost none Skip to 30

0 None skip to 30

6 (DK)

7 (Refused)

R4 The respondent defined some as 5%-10%

R7 (Answered 2, some) “Add ‘quarter’. “

28. When you ride your bike after dark, do you do anything to make yourself more visible to motorists?

1 Yes (Continue)

2 No (Skip to #30)

3 (DK) (Skip to #30)

4 (Refused) (Skip to #30)

29. What do you do to make yourself or your bike more visible after dark? (Open ended and code) (Multiple Record)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Use bike headlight

07 Use bike taillight

08 Wear fluorescent or reflective clothing/shoes

09 Wear other lights on self or belongings

10 Ensure bicycle has reflectors

11 Ride only in well-lit areas

R4 The respondent said he used bike headlights and taillights in the past – 2 years ago. He also said he tries to wear light colored clothing – different than reflective.

30. During the past year, how often did you use an electronic device like a cell phone or mp3 player WHILE YOU WERE RIDING YOUR BIKE? Did you use an electronic device during: [Read responses 5 through 0]

The question gives ‘cell phone’ and ‘mp3 player’ as examples. What other kinds of things do you think the question wants you to include? What else?

R1 The respondent didn’t know

R2 The respondent said headphones, iphones and ipads.

R4 The respondent did not have any thoughts

R7 (Answered 8, none) “Maybe give a third example, re monitoring exercise, heart rate. Also, smart phone, smart watches; did you text.”

What do you think is meant by using WHILE YOU WERE RIDING YOUR BIKE? Or, would someone answer yes if they used it for a portion of the ride (making a call) versus the entire ride (listening to mp3?

R1 The respondent felt the question was asking about anytime, one the seat or crossing the street with feet on the ground. It was “until you rest the bike.” The respondent felt it might be useful to add motion to the definition to clarify the question meaning.

R2 The respondent said someone who had stopped would not count.

R4 The respondent said it counts if one hand is on the handle bar and one is on the device.

R7 “In motion. If I stopped to make a call, I wouldn’t answer ‘yes’.“

Possible follow-up: What words or term would you use to describe all of these kinds of things?

GENERAL BICYCLE HABITS

(READ:) Now I would like to know about your biking habits.

31. On average during the summer months, how often do you use a bicycle? (Read 1-4) (If necessary, read:) Summer months are May through September.

1 At least once a week

2 At least once a month, but not weekly

3 Less than once a month, but at least once during the summer

4 Never

5 (DK)

6 (Refused)

32. On a typical day that you ride a bicycle, about how long do you ride? Don’t count any stops – just the average amount of time you travel on your bike. (Open ended and code time)

Hours: ____ and Minutes: ____

97 [Volunteered: It differs too much to say]

98 (Don’t Know)

99 (Refused)

How did you decide on {R’s answer}?

R1 The respondent thought about the trip from here to there and took in different parts of the trip. She also took lights into account.

R2 The respondent has a loop that he takes very frequently and it takes 45 minutes.

R4 The respondent said it is the amount he a lots each day for exercise.

Alternate: If R hesitates: What are you thinking?

33. Compared to about a year ago, would you say you are now riding a bike more often, less often or about the same amount?

3 More often

2 Same amount

1 Less often

4 (DK)

5 (Refused)

34. Are bike PATHS, that is, paths away from the road on which bikes can travel, available in the area where you live?

1 Yes

2 No (Skip to #37)

3 (DK) (Skip to #37)

4 (Refused) (Skip to #37)

If not probed earlier, ask (here or after the next question): What kinds of things do you think of as ‘bike paths’?

R1 The respondent was unsure what was meant by a path on the road. She asked what the difference was between a bike path and a bike lane. She further defined a bike lane is where there are pedestrians and cyclists. She said there are no bike paths in the area where she lived.

R4 The respondent said she was thinking about the paths (Capital Crescent) in Bethesda which are bike paths off the roads used by cyclists, walkers and runners.

R4 The respondent said that the proximity needs to be defined. Is it within 1 mile, within 3 miles. He said it is too subjective and his wife would say no while his response is yes.

If #34 = 1 yes and #1 = 1, 2, or 3, under a year continue. Otherwise skip to #37.

35. Do you ride on bike paths (read 5-1)?

5 Every time you ride a bike (Skip to #37)

4 Most of the time (Skip to #37)

3 Some of the time (Skip to #37)

2 Hardly ever, OR (Continue)

1 Never (Continue)

6 (DK) (Skip to #37)

7 (Refused) (Skip to #37)

36. What is the main reason that you choose not to use the bike paths? (Open ended and code) (INTERVIEWER NOTE: If respondent says, Don't like them; Probe for why)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Not in good repair

07 Don't go where I need to go

08 Too crowded with bicycles or pedestrians

09 HOLD

10 Don't feel safe

37. Are bike LANES, that is, marked lanes on a public road reserved for bikes to travel, available in the area where you live?

1 Yes

2 No (Go to instruction before #40)

3 (DK) (Go to instruction before #40)

4 (Refused) (Go to instruction before #40)

If #37 = 1 yes and #1 = 1, 2, or 3,continue. 1-2 years ago or more freq

If #37 = 1 yes and #1 = 4, skip to #41. If over 2 years

If #37 = 1 yes and #1 > 4, skip to #46. If over 2 years skip to 46 page 22

R1 The respondent answered no but specified that there weren’t any on her normal routes. She further stated that she knew of some but hadn’t used them. She also wanted to know what is meant by area where you live.

R4 The respondent found it difficult to know for sure. The lanes in his county are not marked the same way as his previous state (CA). MD does not have arrows or pictures of cars but there is a line in the road and cyclists seem to use it as a bike lane.

Possible probe: In your own words, please describe a bike lane to me.

R3 The respondent defined a bike path as used exclusively for cyclists. It depends on motorists staying out of the lane. It is not the sidewalk. She also noted that she is not certain how safe it is to ride on the road but felt bike lanes would be about 80% safe.

38. Do you ride in bike LANES (read 5-1)?

5 Every time you ride a bike (Skip to #40)

4 Most of the time (Skip to #40)

3 Some of the time (Skip to #40)

2 Hardly ever, OR (Continue)

1 Never (Continue)

6 (DK) (Skip to #40)

7 (Refused) (Skip to #40)

If not probed earlier: What kinds of things do you think of as ‘bike lanes’?

39. What is the main reason that you choose not to use the bike lanes? (Open ended and code) (INTERVIEWER NOTE: If respondent says, Don't like them; Probe for why)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Not in good repair

07 Don't go where I need to go

08 Too crowded with bicycles or pedestrians

09 HOLD

10 Don't feel safe

If #1 = 1, 2, or 3 (within past year), continue.

If #1 = 4, skip to #41. 1-2 years

If #1 > 4, skip to #46. If over 2 years skip to 46 page 23

40. When you are bicycling, how often do you have to change your route because of obstacles, such as construction, heavy traffic, and roads in poor condition? Does this happen nearly all of the time, most, some, or almost none of the time?

1. Nearly all the time

2. Most of the time

3. Some of the time

4. Almost none of the time

5. (Don’t Know)

6. (Refused)

R7 (Answered 4, almost none) “On my bike, none of the time.”

What other things might make you change your route?

R2 The respondent said snow or ice might make him change his route.

R4 The respondent said he might change his route if there was an interruption of the bike lane or at intersection would require him to stop.

41. In the past two years, were you ever injured while you were riding a bike? Only count injuries that required attention by a medical professional.

1 Yes (Continue)

2 No

3 (DK/Not sure)

4 (Refused)

42. Was this injury a result of being hit by a motor vehicle?

1 Yes

2 No (Continue)

3 (DK)

4 (Refused)

43. How did you injure yourself while riding your bike? (Open ended and code)

Specify .

98 (Don’t Know)

99 (Refused)

If #1 > 3, If ridden more than a yr ago

skip to #46. Otherwise continue.

44. When riding a bike, do you wear a helmet for (read 6-1)?

6 All of your rides skip to Q46, page 23

5 Nearly all of your rides

4 Most of your rides

3 Some of your rides

2 Not very many of your rides

1 Never or you don’t have access to a helmet

7 (DK)

8 (Refused)

(If code 6 in #44, Skip to #46;

Otherwise, Continue)

R1 The respondent thought that it was weird to have Never or you don’t have access to a helmet in the same response category/

45. What are the reasons you don't always wear a bike helmet? Is it because (read and rotate A-I, then read J)?

1 Yes

2 No

3 (DK)

4 (Refused)

A. You forget to wear it

B. You don’t think helmets provide much protection in case of accident

C. You don’t like the way you look when you wear a helmet _____(2220)

D. Helmets obstruct your vision

E. Helmets are uncomfortable

F. You don’t wear a helmet for short trips

G. It’s too hot wearing a helmet

H. Helmets cost too much

I. You don’t have a helmet

J. Some other reasons? (If "Yes", ask:) What other reason? (Open ended and code)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 No/No other reason

05 HOLD

06 Don’t need to wear one

R4 The respondent suggested adding – he didn’t feel like it.

R5 J. Other: She didn’t grow up with it; also, not needed because it’s safe where she rides.

R7 (Answered 1, other) “Trouble getting it to fit, so it wouldn’t protect me.”

46. In your opinion, how much protection against head injuries do bike helmets provide children? Would you say bike helmets provide children very little protection, some protection, or a lot of protection against head injuries?

1 Very little protection

2 Some protection

3 A lot of protection

4 (DK)

5 (Refused

What were you thinking? Or How did you decide on {R’s answer}?

R1 The respondent said a lot because they have good quality helmets but she was going by her gut and has no definitive knowledge. She also asked if the question was asking only about head injuries.

R2 The respondent said a lot because children do not have the same level of experience as adults and are more likely to fall. They are still in the early learning stages of taking turns, transitioning surface types, etc.

R3 The respondent said she was visualizing the parts of the body that were vulnerable during an accident.

R4 The respondent asked what defines an injury – is it just hitting your head?

R6 (Answered 2, ‘some’) “Need to think about [whether the helmet] fitted right, speed of crash, [whether they] wear it correctly.”

Alternate: Did you think about particular kinds of accidents or injuries?

R2 The respondent said he was thinking about kids falling off the bike where they can get cuts on arms or hit the sides of their heads.

R3 The respondent said she was thinking about kids running into one another or cars backing up out of parking into a cyclist.

R4 The respondent said he was thinking about his own kids (ages 5-7). He was thinking about the age when training wheels come off. Kids that age don’t know how to fall safely.

R6 “If car runs red light, throws kid.”

Alternate: Did you think about children of a particular age?

R1 just little kids

R2 middle school age

R3 tiny tots – under 5-7 years of age

Possible follow-up: Would you answer differently if asked about older than younger children?

R3 The respondent said she answered more emphatically for younger kids.

R2 The respondent said his answers would be different because older kids have more experience. The know how to handle the bike, understand the flow of traffic and take their bikes to and from school.

R4 The respondent said that he thinks older children are stronger and more resilient. They are furthered developed so not in as much danger.

R6 “More likely to be in road; [helmet offers] less effective protection.”

47. What about for adults? Do bike helmets provide adults very little protection, some protection, or a lot of protection against head injuries?

1 Very little protection

2 Some protection

3 A lot of protection

4 (DK)

5 (Refused

R7 (Answered DK) “Depending on case, how one might fall off, or how they might hit head. Certain ways helmet might not be enough support.”

What were you thinking? Or How did you decide on {R’s answer}?

R1 The respondent said that, “it is my understanding that modern helmets are effective for adults.

R3 The respondent was thinking about when her husband fell and cracked his head.

Possible follow-up: Why do you think researchers have separated adults and children?

R1 The respondent thought it was because helmets are designed differently for adults and children.

R2 The respondent said that children bike as a hobby while adults are free to go wherever they want. Children are limited in where and how they use bikes while adults are free to go anywhere they want like national parks.

R3 The respondent it helps get people thinking and assists in analysis of helmet safety.

R4 The respondent said that there is a different because adults ride by choice with children have parental rules to follow.

48. How satisfied are you with how your local community is designed for making bike riding safe? Are you (read 5-1)?

5 Very satisfied

4 Somewhat satisfied

3 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

2 Somewhat dissatisfied

1 Very dissatisfied

6 (DK)

7 (Refused)

R3 The respondent was very dissatisfied and felt that cyclists were a danger and inconvenient for her because they ride on the sidewalks and threaten pedestrians. Cyclists need to get the rules and understand how to share sidewalks.

R5 (Answered 3) “Not that kind of neighborhood…tons of kids but no one is talking about it.”

R6 (answered 4) “Tough to answer because I don’t ride. My son thinks it’s pretty good.”

49. Are there any changes you would like made in your community for bicyclists?

1 Yes (Continue)

2 No (Skip to #51)

3 (DK) (Skip to #51)

4 (Refused) (Skip to #51)

If Yes: What kinds of changes were you thinking of? What else? What reason? Why?

R1 The respondent thought it was asking about law enforcement and consequences for drivers in bike lanes. Cars can run people off the road.

R2 The respondent said that he would like more street lights on bike trails, It is too dark to use them at night.

R3 The respondent felt very strongly about making sure there were no cyclists on the sidewalks. She said cyclists lose against cars and pedestrians lose against cyclists. “It’s beyond consideration in my experience.”

R4 The respondent said that it would be better if the sections of the road/paths were more clearly defined. Traffic needs aware that cyclists are there. There need to be clearly defined areas for cyclists. The respondent felt that Q49 and Q50 could be combined.

R6 (Volunteered ideas rather than answering ‘yes’) “Availability of more bike lanes; overpasses…Any change permitting riding bike a long way with no cars.”

R9 (Volunteered ideas rather than answering ‘yes’) “Street signals would be helpful. [Changes] to let motorists know this is a heavily bicycled area—pay more attention to cyclists. …clearly marked for cyclists.”

If No: What kinds of changes do you think this question is asking about?

50. What changes would you like to see made in your community? (Open ended and code) (Multiple Record)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 More bike trails

07 More bike paths

08 More bike lanes

09 Allow bikes on sidewalks

10 Don't allow bikes on sidewalks

R2 The respondent asked if this was asking about changes that have to do with bicycles. After neutral probing the respondent said he would like to make sure that kids don’t leave their bikes in the middle of paths of sidewalks. He complained of kids dropping their bikes and running to the playground.

R3 The respondent wanted people to walk bike on sidewalks. Do not ride them.

51. Is there a law or ordinance in your State, city, or county that requires adults and/or children to wear a helmet when riding a bike?

1 Yes

2 No (Skip to #54)

3 (DK) (Skip to #54)

4 (Refused) (Skip to #54)

R3 The respondent felt that there was a law but also felt that people don’t follow it.

R4 The respondent said DK but assumed that there was one.

52. Is it a State, city, or county law?

1. State law

2. City law

3. County law

4. Other (specify)

5. (DK)

6. (Refused)

R2 The respondent felt certain there was a law but he was not sure whether it’s a state, city or county law.

53. Does this law require all bicyclists, or only children, to wear helmets?

1. All bicyclists

2. Only children

3. (DK)

4. (Refused)

54. Do you favor or oppose laws that require (read and rotate A-B)?

1 Favor

2 Oppose

3 (DK/no opinion)

4 (Refused)

A. Children to wear helmets whenever they are riding a bike _____(1710)

B. Adults to wear helmets whenever they are riding a bike _____(1711)

R4 The respondent initially said oppose but as he talked through his reasoning he changed it to favor. First he said oppose because adults should be able to make their own decisions and he would hate to get a ticket for that. Then he thought about the fact that adults are role models so there should be a rule. However, he would still hate to get a ticket.

R5 B: DK: “Gotta think about it. I don’t ride in traffic.”

PEDESTRIANS:

GENERAL

(READ:) This next section is about walking rather than biking. By walking we mean any outdoor walking, jogging, or running that lasts at least 5 minutes or more. (INTERVIEWER NOTE: If respondent asks, they should NOT include roller-blading, roller-skating, skateboarding and scooter use)

55. When was the last time you walked outside for 5 minutes or more? (Open ended and code time frame)

1. Within the past week (Continue)

2. Within the past month, but not the past week (Continue)

3. Within the past year, but not past month (Skip to #76, p.37)

4. 1-2 years ago (Skip to #82) p. 41

5. 3-5 years ago (Skip to #82)p. 41

6. More than 5 years ago (Skip to #82) p.41

7. Never (Skip to #82) p.41

What were you thinking

56. Thinking about the past 30 days, about how many of those days did you walk? (Open ended and code actual number)

00 None (Skip to #76) p.37

31 (Continue)

98 (DK) (Continue)

99 (Refused) (Continue)

R3 The respondent (and the interviewer) did not realize that this was only meant for outdoor walking so she included walking the floors of her building – 24 times)

R4 The respondent asked about whether he should answer in regards to running. Interviewer reread the instructions. The respondent then asked if there were going to be future questions about running. The interviewer read the instruction again and the respondent decided to answer based upon only his walking behaviors.

57. The last day you walked outside for 5 minutes or more, was it on a weekday or the weekend?

1. Weekday (Monday – Friday)

2. Weekend (Saturday or Sunday)

3. (DK)

4. (Refused)

(INTERVIEWER NOTE: READ SLOWLY:)

I would now like to know about EACH of the individual trips that you made on the last day you walked. A TRIP is defined as going from a starting point to a destination for a specific purpose without any stops along the way. If you left your house on a walk with no real destination and returned to your house that would be considered ONE trip. If you walked from your house to a friend's house for a visit, then walked back home, that would be TWO trips. If you walked from your home to a friend’s house, then to a store, and then back home again, that would count as THREE trips. I am going to ask about these individual trips one at a time.

For non-bike riders only:

What are the main things you remember from what I just read?

R3 The respondent felt this instruction was going to irritate people. She went to the library today and she thought that should be counted as 2 trips according to the definition but said she would count it as one trip. She is not sure people would understand the definition of trips.

If R remembers parts of it, but does not mention trip definition:

Do you remember how a ‘trip’ is defined?

If R reports very little: I’ll read it once more.

Then ask: Do you remember how a ‘trip’ is defined?

R3 The respondent said it was clear the second time it is read but suggested using the term round trip.

R5 “Break up the legs of the trip. Each destination [equals a ] leg.”

58. What was your starting point for your first trip of the day? (Open ended and code)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Home

07 Friend or relative’s home

08 Work

09 School/Campus

10 Park/field

11 Grocery store/Drug store/Convenience store

12 Mall/Strip mall/Shopping center

13 Restaurant

14 Train/subway/bus station or stop

R4 The respondent drove to a trail head and began the journey there. He felt trail head was different than a park/field.

59. What was the main purpose of this trip? (Open ended and code)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Commuting to work

07 Commuting to school

08 Recreation

09 Exercise/for my health

10 Personal errands (to the store, post office, and so on)

11 Required for my job

12 Drop off/Pick up someone

13 Visit a friend or relative

14 Walk the dog

15 Escort child to school

60. Where did this trip end? (Open ended and code)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)/A location you cannot remember

03 (Refused)/A location you prefer not to share

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Home

07 Friend or relative’s home

08 Work

09 School/Campus

10 Park/field

11 Grocery store/Drug store/Convenience store

12 Mall/Strip mall/Shopping center

13 Restaurant

14 Train/subway/bus station or stop

61. Did you take any more walking trips on this day?

1 Yes (Continue)

2 No (Skip to #67)

3 (DK) (Skip to #67)

4 (Refused) (Skip to #67)

If ‘no” What were you thinking?

62. How many more walking trips did you take on this day? (Open ended and code actual number)

01-

30

31 31 or more

32 (DK)

33 (Refused)

How did you come up with _x_ trips? What were you thinking?

R1 The respondent thought about what she had done today. She had taken the metro , gone to work, went to lunch, back to work, then the metro and finally to the interview.

R3 The respondent used her fingers to count her trips.

(SURVENT NOTE: Ask #63-#66 for each trip before going to the next trip, if applicable)

63. Now, I'll ask you about your (read A-E, as appropriate) trip. You just mentioned you ended your last trip at (a) (response in #60 or #66 A-D, as appropriate). Is this where you started your (read A-E) trip of the day?

1 Yes

2 No

3 (No more trips) - (Skip to #67)

4 (DK)

5 (Refused)

A. (If code 01-31 in #62, ask:) Second _____(1775)

B. (If code 02-31 in #62, ask:) Third _____(1776)

C. (If code 03-31 in #62, ask:) Fourth _____(1777)

D. (If code 04-31 in #62, ask:) Fifth _____(1778)

E. (If code 05-31 in #62, ask:) Sixth _____(1779)

(For each code 1 in #63 A-E,

Autocode response from #60 or #66 A-D, as appropriate

into #64 A-E, as appropriate AND Skip to #65;

Otherwise, Continue)

If more than 1 trip go to trip sheet

64. What was your starting point for this trip? (Display A-E, as appropriate) (Open ended and code)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Home

07 Friend or relative’s home

08 Work

09 School/Campus

10 Park/field

11 Grocery store/Drug store/Convenience store

12 Mall/Strip mall/Shopping center

13 Restaurant

14 Train/subway/bus station or stop

A. (If code 01-31 in #62, ask:) Second

(1802)

B. (If code 02-31 in #62, ask:) Third

C. (If code 03-31 in #62, ask:) Fourth

(1806)

D. (If code 04-31 in #62, ask:) Fifth

(1808)

E. (If code 05-31 in #62, ask:) Sixth

65. What was the main purpose of this trip? (Display A-E, as appropriate) (Open ended and code)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Commuting to work

07 Commuting to school

08 Recreation

09 Exercise/for my health

10 Personal errands (to the store, post office, and so on)

11 Required for my job

12 Drop off/Pick up someone

13 Visit a friend or relative

14 Walk the dog

15 Escort child to school

A. (If code 01-31 in #62, ask:) Second

B. (If code 02-31 in #62, ask:) Third

C. (If code 03-31 in #62, ask:) Fourth

D. (If code 04-31 in #62, ask:) Fifth

E. (If code 05-31 in #62, ask:) Sixth

R2 The respondent said that it was missing return home

66. Where did this trip end? (Display A-E, as appropriate) (Open ended and code)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)/A location you cannot remember

03 (Refused)/A location you prefer not to share

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Home

07 Friend or relative’s home

08 Work

09 School/Campus

10 Park/field

11 Grocery store/Drug store/Convenience store

12 Mall/Strip mall/Shopping center

13 Restaurant

14 Train/subway/bus station or stop

A. (If code 01-31 in #62, ask:) Second

B. (If code 02-31 in #62, ask:) Third

C. (If code 03-31 in #62, ask:) Fourth

D. (If code 04-31 in #62, ask:) Fifth

E. (If code 05-31 in #62, ask:) Sixth

67. When you began walking that day, did you begin walking during the:

1 Morning

2 Afternoon

3 Evening, or

4 Nighttime when it was dark

5 Don’t Know

6 Refused

68. When you finished walking that day, did your (last) trip end during the:

1 Morning

2 Afternoon

3 Evening, or

4 Nighttime when it was dark

5 Don’t Know

6 Refused

R5 “What time is evening?...Dinner time—6pm on Sunday; after 6 is evening. Weekdays, eat at 5, that’s the beginning of evening. When it’s getting dark, that’s the..beginning of evening.”

R7 (answered 3, evening) “Dusk, 6:00, still light.” NOTE: R answered Q16 as ‘nighttime’, also defining nighttime as dusk’

What do you think this question is trying to find out? Note whether R mentions ‘did trip end before or after dark.’

R3 The respondent felt evening was – more visual and dark = hard to see at nighttime.

Alternate: Would you tell me in your own words what this question is asking?

R3 The respondent felt it asking about trips during the daylight to determine the safety of the trip.

69. When you were walking that day, did you walk mostly on (read 06-11, then 01)?

01 Or some other surface (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 Hold

05 Hold

06 Paved roads, not on shoulder (Skip to #71)

07 Shoulders of paved roads (Skip to #71)

08 Grass or fields

09 Sidewalks

10 Bike paths, walking paths or trails

11 Unpaved roads (for example dirt, gravel, sand)(Skip to #71)

R5 (answer 06) “No shoulder—no other option.”

R6 (Answered DK) “Hard to answer. Running, use bike paths; walking, use sidewalks.”

How would you describe the difference between a ‘paved road, not on shoulder’ and ‘shoulders of paved roads’?

70. Not including crossing streets, did you walk in the street or road, or on the shoulder of the road? [If yes, probe for which one]

1. Yes, road

2. Yes, shoulder

3. Yes, both

4. No (Skip to #72)

5. (Don’t Know) (Skip to #72)

6. Refused) (Skip to #72)

71. When you were walking (in the street/on the shoulder), were you usually walking (read 1-2)?

1 Facing traffic, that is, walking against traffic, or

2 With traffic, that is walking in the same direction as the cars

3 (Varies/Depends)

4 (Not applicable/Never walk in the street)

5 (DK)

6 (Refused)

If R hesitates: What were you thinking?

R2 The respondent was thinking about half of the intersection where he switches.

Alternate: Another way of asking this might be: When walking in the street, did you mostly walk in the same direction as the cars, or in the opposite direction? Is that clearer or less clear?

R2 The respondent felt both were clear.

Alternate: How would you describe the direction you were walking most of the time?

72. Was anyone else with you when you were walking, or was all your walking done alone?

01 Walked with others

02 Walked alone

03 (DK)

04 (Refused)

R2 The respondent asked how he should answer if ½ the trip was alone and then ½ was with others- he had picked up his niece.

73. Did you feel threatened for your personal safety at any time while walking that day?

1 Yes (Continue)

2 No (Skip to #76)

3 (DK) (Skip to #76)

4 (Refused) (Skip to #76)

R1 The respondent asked if this question was asking in terms of being mugged or something happening to you. She also asked if crossing the street counted.

R6 “[Personal safety means] in a place where you could be mugged.”

74. Did you feel threatened for your personal safety because of any of the following? How about (read and rotate A-E, then F)?

1 Yes

2 No

3 (DK)

4 (Refused)

A. Motorists

B. The potential for crime

C. Uneven walkways or roadway surfaces

D. Dogs or other animals

E. Something else? (If "Yes", ask:) What else? (Open ended)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 No/Nothing else

05 Too much bicycle or pedestrian traffic

06 Lack of room to ride

07 Obstacles blocking path

08 Not maintained

(If Motorists code 1 in #74-A, Continue;

Otherwise, Skip to #76)

If R hesitates: What were you thinking? Note any comments about the term motorists

R1 The respondent was confused by uneven walkways or roadway surfaces. She did not understand roadway surfaces and said no because she didn’t walk on any roadways.

R3 The respondent said there was a cyclist who seemed threatening and “odd” She also felt threatened by cyclists on the sidewalk.

Alternate: What were you thinking? Note what terms R uses to describes drivers or cars. Do you think it would make any difference to say (term R used) instead of ‘motorist’ or not to make any difference?

75. What did motorists do to make you feel threatened? (Open ended and code) (Multiple Record)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Cut me off

07 Entered intersection without looking

08 Drove very close to me

09 Honked at me

10 Almost hit me/near miss

11 Just the presence of the motorist was threatening

12 Too fast

R1 The respondent mentioned cut-off and specified cars not yielding to people in crosswalks.

76. During the past year, how much of your walking was done when it was dark or nearly dark outside? (Read 5-0)

5 Nearly all

4 More than half

3 About half

2 Some

1 Almost none Skip to 79

0 None Skip to 79

6 (DK)Skip to 79

7 (Refused) Skip to 79

(If code 2-5 in #76, Continue;

Otherwise, Skip to #79)

R4 The respondent chose almost none – defined as 5%.

R7 (answered 2, ‘some’) “Need to add one-quarter [to indicate] more than some.”

77. When you walk after dark, do you do anything to make yourself more visible to motorists?

1 Yes - (Continue)

2 No (Skip to #79)

3 (DK) (Skip to #79)

4 (Refused) (Skip to #79)

R6 “Usually ‘no.’ Occasionally if running in the morning, I wear a reflective vest.”

R8 (Answered 2, ‘no’) “Difficult to answer. Not too much a walked can do to be more visible than they already are. I stay as far away from the street as I can.”

78. What do you do to make yourself more visible when walking after dark? (Open ended and code)(Multiple Record)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Wear light colored clothing

07 Wear fluorescent or reflective clothing/Shoes

08 Wear or carry a flashlight

09 Walk only in well-lit areas

79. During the past year, how often did you use an electronic device like a cell phone or mp3 player WHILE YOU WERE walking outside? Did you use an electronic device during: [Read responses 5 through 0]

5 Nearly all your outdoor walking trips

4 More than half your walking trips

3 About half your walking trips

2 Some of your walking trips

1 Almost none of your walking trips, or

0 None of your walking trips

6 (DK)

7 (Refused)

The question gives ‘cell phone’ and ‘mp3 player’ as examples. What other kinds of things do you think the question wants you to include? What else?

R3 The respondent “couldn’t imagine”

R4 The respondent again focused only on walking.

What do you think is meant by using WHILE walking? Does this include jogging or running?

R1 The respondent thought it meant anytime outside, including stopping to talk at the corner or running into a shop.

R3 The respondent said it meant being healthy and not being preoccupied by a kindle or other devices.

R7 (Answered 1, almost none) “Does it include stopping and using the phone? Answered ‘npone,’ only if it means in motion. [Answer would be different] if it included while stopped.”

Possible follow-up: What words or term would you use to describe all of these kinds of things?

Alternate: If someone briefly stops to make a call, should that count as using their cell while walking?

R3 No

R4 The respondent said walking and talking simultaneously counted.

GENERAL WALKING HABITS

(READ:) Now I would like to know about your walking habits.

80. On average during the summer months, how often do you walk? (Read 1-4) (If necessary, read:) Summer months are May through September.

1 At least once a week

2 At least once a month, but not weekly

3 Less than once a month, but at least once during the summer

4 Never

5 (DK)

6 (Refused)

R1 The respondent asked for clarification of walk – specifically if it was 5 minutes.

81. Compared to about a year ago, would you say you are now walking more often, less often or about the same amount?

3 More often

2 Same amount

1 Less often

4 (DK)

5 (Refused)

Now I’d like you to think of the neighborhood where you live.

82. Are there sidewalks in your neighborhood(Read 1-4):

5. Along almost all streets

6. Along most streets

7. Along some streets, or

8. Along almost no streets (Skip To Q86)

If R answers ‘most’ or ‘some’: How did you decide on {R’s answer}?

83. In what condition are these sidewalks? Are they in excellent, good, fair, or poor condition?

1. Excellent

2. Good

3. Fair

4. Poor

5. (Don’t Know)

6. (Refused)

How did you decide on –X- condition?

R1 The respondent decided on good – 98% are fine with no issues. There are some where tree routes have come up which would cause people with wheelchairs to have problems.

R2 The respondent said he was visualizing the sidewalks and past experience walking on them.

R3 The respondent said there are some sidewalks that have been uprooted by tree roots. It comes with the age of the sidewalks. She also felt that the brick sidewalks were not pedestrian or cyclist friendly.

Are all of the sidewalks in {R’s answer} condition?

R2 Yes

R3 Most

Alternate: How would you answer if most of the sidewalks are in {R’s answer} condition, but many are not?

If #55 = 4, skip to #86 if 1-2 years ago

If #55 > 4, skip to #89 if 3+ years

84. Do you use sidewalks (read 5-1)?

5 Every time you walk (Skip to #86)

4 Most of the time (Skip to #86)

3 Some of the time (Skip to #86)

2 Hardly ever, OR (Continue)

1 Never (Continue)

6 (DK) (Skip to #86)

7 (Refused) (Skip to #86)

R1 The respondent said every time but clarified that is if there are sidewalks available.

R6 (Answered 4, most of time) “Meaning walk or run? To metro, on sidewalk; running, on trail.”

85. What is the main reason that you hardly ever or never use sidewalks? (Open ended and code) (INTERVIEWER NOTE: If respondent says, Don't like them; Probe for why)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 Not in good repair

07 Don't go where I need to go

08 Too crowded

09 Prefer softer surface

10 Don't feel safe

86. In the past two years, were you ever injured while you were walking? Only count injuries that required attention by a medical professional.

1 Yes (Continue)

2 No (Skip to #89)

3 (DK/Not sure) (Skip to #89)

4 (Refused) (Skip to #89)

How would someone who was injured while running answer?

R2 The respondent would answer yes if they were asked about running – he answered no

R4 The respondent said no because the question was asking about walking.

R6 “Not acute—overuse injuries from running; made worse but not an accident, no specific moment.”

What is meant by attention by a medical professional?

R2 The respondent said it meant seeing a doctor, ambulance or going to the hospital.

R4 The respondent said it meant a paramedic or EMT

87. Was this injury a result of being hit by a motor vehicle?

1 Yes (Skip to #89)

2 No (Continue)

3 (DK) (Skip to #89)

4 (Refused) (Skip to #89)

88. How did you injure yourself while you were walking? (Open ended and code)

Specify .

98 (Don’t Know)

99 (Refused)

89. How satisfied are you with how your local community is designed for making walking safe? Are you (read 5-1)?

5 Very satisfied

4 Somewhat satisfied

3 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

2 Somewhat dissatisfied

1 Very dissatisfied

6 (DK)

7 (Refused)

R5 (5, very satisfied) “[Our neighborhood] is not designed for walking. I’m fine with it. I don’t want sidewalks. It’s very usable and comfortable.”

90. Are there any changes you would like made in your community for pedestrians?

1 Yes (Continue)

2 No (Skip to Read before #92)

3 (DK) (Skip to Read before #92)

4 (Refused) (Skip to Read before #92)

R9 (Answered 1, ‘yes’) “Are you talking about road or sidewalks? This can mean a lot of things.”

If Yes: What kinds of changes were you thinking of? What else? For what reason? Why?

R1 The respondent mentioned flags for pedestrians to carry as they cross the street, motorists being pulled over for pedestrian endangerment and cell phone laws being enforced.

R2 The respondent said he wasn’t thinking much in the way of community changes. He again mentioned lights on the sidewalks, keeping roads clean and in good condition. In addition, keeping patrol guards at school crossings.

R3 The respondent felt that there needed to be a code of ethics for cyclists. Cyclists seem to think that pedestrians and motorists “have eyes in the back of their head.” In addition, people need to pay more attention when making turns. In addition, motorists need to obey the law, traffic lights need to be varied and motorists need to stop blocking intersections or attempting to shoot through them.

R4 The respondent said he would like more sidewalks – prior to Q91.

R8 “Not about sidewalks. Safety for well-being—more police.”

R9 “Get to a coffee quicker…more commercial places within walking distance.”

If No: What kinds of changes do you think this question is asking about?

91. What changes would you like to see made in your community? (Open ended and code) (Multiple Record)

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 More crosswalks

07 More sidewalks

08 More lights on streets

09 More lights on paths/trails

R3 The respondent wanted more bike lanes. Red arrows when drivers can’t turn left and more respect for pedestrians. She also mentioned flags for pedestrians to carry when crossing the street.

R7 (Answered 01, other) “For what?...More visible stop signs. We have a lot of stop signs but drivesr ignore them. Don’t want more lights.”

For the next couple of questions, please tell me what in your opinion is correct. First,

92. Are bicyclists supposed to stop at traffic lights and stop signs, like motor vehicles, or are they supposed to use their own judgment on whether they need to stop at red lights and stop signs?

1. Must stop, like motor vehicles

2. Can use own judgment

3. (Don’t Know)

4. (Refused)

R1 The respondent thought said they must stop but asked if that applies to people using a sidewalk; not the road.

93. What do flashing red lights on a school bus mean for an approaching driver? Do they mean (Read 1-3)

1. Stop until lights stop flashing, or

2. Slow and then proceed with caution, or

3. Be prepared to stop, if necessary?

4. (Don’t Know)

5. (Refused)

R5 Needed interviewer to repeat option 1.

R7 “For a car or a bike? I think it’s motorist, or for cars and bikes.”

R9 (Answered DK) “Behind a school bus today, I stopped when I saw it flashing. I don’t know if I was supposed to, but I stopped and waited.”

If R hesitates, What are you thinking?

R4 The respondent hesitated because he has seen both. He said there are now signs that swing out and wondered if that is the same thing as the flashing lights now.

94. If a pedestrian is walking in the street after dark and not wearing reflective clothing, how close would you say an approaching car has to be to see the pedestrian directly ahead? [Distance Can Be Reported In Either Feet, Yards, or Car Lengths]

Feet

Yards

Car Lengths

998 (Don’t Know)

999 (Refused)

R1 The respondent said she was pretty bad at estimating distances – she guessed 20 feet.

R2 at least 200 feet

R3 6 feet if they are lucky

R4 The respondent struggled to figure out the distance. He decided on 50-75 feet or 25 yards.

R5 (Answer: 20 ft.) “Jaywalking? I’m picturing them crossing—or walking on the side, often with back to traffic.”

95. Now I’m going to read you a few statements. Please tell me whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, strongly disagree, or neither agree nor disagree.(read and rotate A-E)?

5 Strongly agree

4 Somewhat agree

3 Neither agree nor disagree

2 Somewhat disagree

1 Strongly disagree

6 (DK)

7 (Refused)

A. I would like to walk more than I am currently walking

B. I would like to bicycle more than I am currently bicycling

C. Drivers in my community usually yield to pedestrians in crosswalks

How did you decide on your answer?

R2 The respondent felt that cyclists need to work with motorists to ensure there are no accidents.

R3 The respondent said strongly disagree because she doesn’t know enough and can’t assume

R4 The respondent said he would like to bike more but his schedule and sore calfs prevent him.

D. Bicyclists are just as entitled to ride on the road as are motorists

R2 The respondent said that it is too dangerous for cyclists because cars don’t follow the speed limit. They go too fast or too slow. He also said there is not enough room on the road for cyclists to ride safely.

R3 The respondent said that she was strongly dissatisfied because some roads “just aren’t set up for that.”

R4 The respondent said some cyclists shouldn’t be on the road because they don’t pay attention and follow the rules.

R6 (Answered 5, strongly agree) “Other than freeway.”

Same probe as earlier if not already used.

E. Driver manuals that are used to study for a driver’s license should include information about how to avoid accidents with Pedestrians and Bicyclists

R8 R asked interviewer to read a second time.

R9 (Answered ‘strongly agree’) “But who cares? Because once you pass you don’t think about it anymore. A better way is to be proactive.”

F. A driver who doesn’t yield to pedestrians walking legally at a crosswalk should be ticketed

R2 The respondent felt that drivers should yield to people in the crosswalk. If a person doesn’t use a crosswalk while crossing and a car is coming is a safety violation. Interviewer not: The respondent initially heard the question wrong and was answering as if the pedestrian had done something wrong. It took a while until he understood the question as intended.

R9 (Answered 3, neither/nor) “Sometimes people just run out into the crosswalk, or are hidden behind a parked car, but still in the cross walk. Ambiguous: should say in crosswalk.”

96 (If 95-A is Strongly or Somewhat Agree) What would you say is the most important reason why you do not walk as much as you would like? (Open ended and code)

1. Too busy

2. Poor health

3. No one to walk with

4. No sidewalks/sidewalks in poor condition

5. No shops or other interesting places to go

6. Fear street crime

7. Too many cars

8. Fast traffic

9. Have things to carry

10. Weather isn’t good for walking

11. Don’t think about it

12. Other (specify)

13. (Don’t Know)

14. (Refused)

R1 The respondent thought laziness should be added

97. (If 95-B is Strongly or Somewhat Agree) What would you say is the most important reason why you do not bicycle as much as you would like? (Open ended and code)

1. Too busy

2. Poor health

3. No one to bike with

4. No sidewalks/sidewalks in poor condition

5. No shops or other interesting places to go

6. Fear street crime

7. Too many cars

8. Fast traffic

9. Have things to carry

10. Weather isn’t good for bicycling

11. Don’t think about it

12. Other (specify)

13. (Don’t Know)

14. (Refused)

R9 (Answered 12, ‘other’) “Don’t own a bike at the moment.”

98. Is it safe or dangerous to walk in your neighborhood?

1. Safe (Skip to #100)

2. Dangerous

3. (Don’t Know) (Skip to #100)

4. (Refused) (Skip to #100)

R8 (Answered 1, safe) Respondent paused before answering, then said “not dangerous, but anything can happen.”

What were you thinking? (Note kinds of danger mentioned.)

R3 The respondent said it depended on the time of day. It is not safe after dark but is safe during the day.

R3 The respondent was thinking about criminal activity, cyclists and tripping on uneven sidewalks int eh dark.

R4 The respondent said he was thinking about the lack of sidewalks in his neighborhood.

R6 (Answered 1, safe) “Depends exactly where. Get hit by cars when trying to cross street.”

99. Why do you feel this way?(Open ended and code) (Multiple Record)

(Specify) .

R6 “[Safe on] side streets, mostly.”

100. Is it safe or dangerous to ride a bicycle in your neighborhood?

1. Safe (Skip to #102)

2. Dangerous

3. (Don’t Know) (Skip to #102)

4. (Refused) (Skip to #102)

What were you thinking? (Note kinds of danger mentioned.)

R3 The respondent said it was safe on the sidewalk – she wasn’t sure about the street.

R4 The respondent said biking was safer than walking because cyclists stand out more and can go faster.

R7 (Answered 1, safe) “Hard to answer—compared to other places. Safety..traffic and parked cars; people exiting and pedestrians cut you off; pets.”

R9 (Answered 1, safe) “Cars. Vandals—unsavoury individuals.”

101 Why do you feel this way? (Open ended and code) (Multiple Record)

(Specify) .

R3 The respondent said it depended on the time of day, rush hour versus off time versus holidays.

CHILDREN WALKING/BIKING

102. In your opinion, what should be the youngest age that a child is allowed to cross a neighborhood street alone? A neighborhood street is defined as having low traffic volume and low traffic speeds.

Age

98 (Don’t Know)

99 (Refused)

How did you decide on {age mentioned}?

R1 The respondent said that it had never occurred to her that there would be a law. She further said that “allowed” is different than a parent permitting a child to cross a street.

R2 The respondent said 8- not too young but they have to have enough knowledge of the road and the ability to pay attention to cars and looking in both directions before crossing.

R3 “10, wow that’s a tough one.” She said she wouldn’t consider below 10 and that she was trying to picture a sleepy community and the safety patrols at school crossings.

R4 The respondent was thinking about his own kids and at what age kids become cognizant of speed and looking both ways for traffic.

R5 (Answer: age 8) “Out in the neighborhood alone? That’s a different question. To go to neighbor’s across street, age 5.”

R6 (Answer: age 7) “Hmmm. Maybe 7. Picturing teaching our kids to walk to elementary school—they’re not so impulsive at that age.”

R9 (Answer: Age 10) “Need options, a range. Depends on traffic. Here [in city], age 10.”

103. How many children, less than 16 years of age, currently reside in your household? Please do not count students living away from home or boarders. (Open ended and code)

0 None (Skip to #107)

1 One

2 Two

3 Three

4 Four

5 Five

6 Six

7 Seven or more

8 (DK) (Skip to #107)

9 (Refused) (Skip to #107)

104 How old is [the/the oldest] child?

Age

98 (Don’t Know)

99 (Refused)

R5 “Not counting the one 16 or older?”

R6 (Answer: none) “Need to clarify—of those under 16.”

If #104 < 5, Skip to #107

105. How many days does this child ride a bicycle during a typical week in the Summer?

(0-7)

98 (Don’t Know)

99 (Refused)

If R answers something other than 0 or 7: How did you decide on {R’s answer}?

If #105 = 0, Skip to #107

106 When riding a bicycle, does this child wear a helmet for (read 6-1)

6 All rides

5 Nearly all rides

4 Most rides

3 Some rides

2 Not very many rides, or

1 Never

7 (DK)

8 (Refused)

(READ:) Now, I have a few questions about the area where you live.

107. Do you currently live in a (read 06-09, then 01)?

01 Other (list)

02 (DK)

03 (Refused)

04 HOLD

05 HOLD

06 House

07 Townhouse or row house

08 Apartment or condo

09 Mobile home, OR

R1 The respondent thought co-op should be added interviewer note: this may just apply to DC

108. These next questions ask about the area that is within two blocks around where you live. Two blocks is about 1/4 mile. [(If necessary, read:) Or the length of about four football or soccer fields.] Are there (read A-J, as appropriate) within ¼ mile of where you live?

1 Yes

2 No

3 (DK)

4 (Refused)

1. Single-family houses

R9 Paused before answering, then said “Every house is connected. I don’t know what they’re called—all houses are separate in Michigan.”

B. Townhouses, apartments or condos

D. Mobile homes

E. Parks or recreational area

F. Farms or ranches

G. Commercial businesses (If necessary, read:) such as stores or restaurants

H. Public buildings (If necessary, read:) such as schools, hospital or government offices

R1 The respondent thought co-op should be added and needed the definitions for G and H to be read.

R2 The respondent needed the definitions for G and H to be read. He also wanted the definition of high street traffic clarified. Is it a steady flow of traffic or sometimes not very busy and sometimes very busy?

R3 The respondent thought co-op should be added and needed the definition for H to be read.

R4 The respondent needed the definitions for G and H

R7 “1/4 mile is two blocks? Not two blocks. That’s very short; 1/10 mile or less. Hard to visualize distance.”

1. Industrial buildings or factories

J. Heavy street traffic

R7 “What does that mean? I think motorized vehicles.”

R1 The respondent wanted to know if J referred to traffic as simply vehicular or pedestrians and cyclists.

118 How often do you drive a motor vehicle? Almost every day, a few days a week, a few days a month, a few days a year, or do you never drive?

1. Almost every day/every day

2. Few days a week

3. Few days a month

4. Few days a year

5. Never

6. More than a year ago since drove

7. Other

8. (Don’t’ Know)

9. (Refused)

119. How many licensed motor vehicles are owned, leased, or available for regular use by members of your household? (Open ended and code)

0 None

1 One

2 Two

3 Three

4 Four

5 Five

6 6 or more

7 (DK)

8 (Refused)

R1 The respondent wanted to know if this meant cars in the driveway versus available such as zip car programs..

120. Do you currently have any disability, health impairment or condition that limits the amount of walking you can do?

1 Yes

2 (Volunteered: Yes, I use a wheelchair) (Skip to Q122)

3 (Volunteered: Yes, I use a motorized chair) (Skip to Q122)

4 No (Skip to Q122)

5 (DK) (Skip to Q122)

6 (Refused) (Skip to Q122)

121 Do you use special equipment to help you walk, or do you use a wheelchair, or do you use a motorized chair?

1. Yes, special equipment

2. Yes, a wheelchair

3. Yes, a motorized chair

4. No

5. (DK)

6. (Refused)

122.  In general, how easy or difficult is it for you to travel to the places in your community where you want to go?  Would you say it is (Read 1-4):

1. Very easy; (Skip To Read Before Q125)

2. Somewhat easy; (Skip To Read Before Q125)

3. Somewhat difficult; or (Skip To Q124)

4. Very Difficult. (Skip To Q124)

5. (Volunteered) It depends on where I am traveling from. (Continue To Q123)

R7 (Answered 2, somewhat easy) “By car?..Is community equal to two blocks, or is it the city? [I think it’s ] the whole city, although we were just talking about two blocks….Add option for ‘neutral, no opinion.’”

Did you think about particular kinds of difficulties?

R1 The respondent thought about areas that did not have public transportation readily accessible.

R2 The respondent was thinking about access to Ride On buses, walking, taking cabs, or driving

R3 The respondent was thinking about the availability of the metro and the cost of cabs.

R4 The respondent was thinking about traffic.

R5 (Answered 2, somewhat easy) “Ten minutes to town, not a straight shot. I think twice about going. Distance—not traffic…a tiny bit about weather—hills—does snow stop us?”

R7 (answered 2, somewhat easy) “Parking; transit; getting across town by bike or car; time of day—rush hour; traffic direction”

If Yes: What were those?

R7 “Metro problems—no longer dependable. Construction.”

If No: What do you think this question means by ‘easy or difficult’? (Note whether R includes things related to disabilities or health limitations—or other things that may apply regardless of the community.)

123.  From which places do you find it more difficult to travel to the places you want to go? (Open ended and code) (Multiple Record)

1 Home

2 Work

3 Doctor’s Office

4 HOLD

5 HOLD

6 HOLD

7 (DK)

8 (Refused)

124.   What are the reasons it is difficult for you to travel to the places in your community where you want to go? (Open ended and code) (Multiple Record)

1 Don’t have access to vehicle

2 Vehicles can’t accommodate mobility equipment

3 Sidewalks are inadequate/poor condition

4 HOLD

5 HOLD

6 HOLD

7 (DK)

8 (Refused)

R3 the respondent again mentioned a lack of metro access for difficulty traveling to places.

R6 (Answer: 7, DK) “Really general—places I want to go and the community. Certain weekend errand trips on 355, dense traffic. [I go to] work and back on metro—that’s become more difficult, slower, over the years.”

DEBRIEFING QUESTIONS

Are there other things about bicycle safety that you think should be included in this survey?

R1 The respondent thought more questions on law enforcement, safety, driver awareness, fumes, more bike lanes and lighting standards should be added.

R2 The respondent thought that questions about additional safety equipment could be added for cyclists, such as elbow and knee pads. He also mentioned appropriate athletic clothing, bike shoes, sunglasses and bring water for hydration and safety.

R3 The respondent felt that cyclists needed rules on etiquette and manners. They need rules. She felt the DC rent a bikes were out of control.

R4 The respondent initially said no but then felt that questions about arm signals should be added.

Are there other things about pedestrian safety that you think should be included in this survey?

R1 The respondent thought law enforcement, crosswalks, driver awareness should be added.

R2 no

R3 The respondent thought rules about the location on the sidewalk –(staying to the right) and cyclists (esp .younger ones) needed education about how to use sidewalks and bike paths.

R4 no.

Overall, would say the survey questions were easy or difficult to answer?

Follow-up: Why?

R1 easy

R2 easy

R3 easy but it takes too long. 10 minutes is the max for any cold call survey.

R4 easy

Which questions did you have to think about the most to decide on an answer?

Follow-up: Why was that?

R1 The respondent found counting the number of trips and the concept of a trip was difficult (round trip, multiple legs) and the question about road surfaces could be difficult because that did not apply to her.

R2The respondent found 4 or 5 questions hard to answer but couldn’t remember which He thought some questions just needed clarification.

R3 The respondent felt some questions were too nitpicky. Some scales were too long. She felt people multitasking on a phone survey will lose interest.

R4 The respondent the questions were relatively easy but some were based on interpretation – e.g. what is the neighborhood.

Which questions or topics were [most/least] interesting to you?

R1 The respondent some of the questions about biking were too much as she only rides when on vacation.

R2 The respondent appeared to find the entire questionnaire interesting

R3 The respondent felt the questions about sidewalks and injuries were interesting. She felt the scales were too detailed and could be collapsed.

R4 The respondent felt the questions about access to riding and walking were interesting. He thought the questions about driving were least interesting.

Do you think there are questions people would find difficult?

Follow-up: Which ones?

R2 The respondent said some and returned the questions mentioned above.

R4 no

Follow-up: Why?

R1 The respondent said that people might have trouble defining a neighborhood.

Do you think there are questions that people would find sensitive, or just might not want to answer in a telephone survey?

Follow-up: Which ones?

Follow-up: Why?

R1 The respondent felt that questions regarding safety might be sensitive if people did not live in a good area.

R2 none

R3 The respondent felt some people might not be honest about health questions because people are proud. They might not want to admit health issues.

R4 no

1 A description of the sample composition is provided on p.24.