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pdf2012 National Survey of
Bicyclist and Pedestrian
Attitudes and Behavior
Volume 1: Summary Report
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This publication is distributed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, in the interest of information exchange. The opinions, findings,
and conclusions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those
of the Department of Transportation or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
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Suggested APA Format Citation:
Schroeder, P. & Wilbur, M. (2013, October). 2012 National survey of bicyclist and pedestrian attitudes
and behavior, volume 1: Summary report. (Report No. DOT HS 811 841 A). Washington, DC:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
1. Report No.
DOT HS 811 841 A
2. Government Accession No.
4. Title and Subtitle
2012 National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior
Volume 1: Summary Report
3. Recipient’s Catalog No.
5. Report Date
October 2013
6. Performing Organization Code
7. Author(s)
Paul Schroeder, Melanie Wilbur
Abt SRBI, Inc
9. Performing Organization Name and Address
8. Performing Organization Report No.
10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS)
Abt SRBI, Inc
8405 Colesville, Road, Ste 300
Silver Spring, MD 20910
11. Contract or Grant No.
DTNH22-11-C-00219
12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address
13. Type of Report and Period Covered
Survey conducted July 12, 2012 to November 18, 2012
Office of Behavioral Safety Research
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.
Washington, DC 20590
14. Sponsoring Agency Code
15. Supplementary Notes
16. Abstract
The 2012 National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior is the second survey on this topic conducted for the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Data collection was conducted by Abt SRBI, Inc, a national research organization. The
survey utilized an overlapping dual frame (landline and cell) sample design and included an oversample of 16-39 year olds. A total of
7,509 interviews were conducted with persons 16 years of age or older living in the United States. Interviewing began on July 12, 2012,
and ended on November 18, 2012. The samples were combined and weighted to produce national estimates of the target population.
This report presents summary findings from the survey and compares selected results to the 2002 administration.
17. Key Words
Bicyclist, Pedestrian, Safety, Summary
19. Security Classif. (of this report)
Unclassified
18. Distribution Statement
This document is available from the National Technical Information Service at
www.ntis.gov
20. Security Classif. (of this page)
Unclassified
i
21. No. of Pages
29
22. Price
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................... iii
1.1 Background and Objectives ................................................................................... iii
1.2 Definitions...............................................................................................................iv
2. Key Findings: Bicyclist Attitudes and Behavior ............................................................. 1
2.1 Use of Bicycle in Summer Months .......................................................................... 1
2.2 Bicycling Safety ....................................................................................................... 2
2.3 Awareness of Helmet Laws ..................................................................................... 3
2.4 Helmet Use............................................................................................................... 4
2.5 Availability of Bicycle Paths/Bicycle Lanes ........................................................... 5
2.6 Use of Bicycle Paths ................................................................................................ 6
2.7 Use of Bicycle Lanes ............................................................................................... 7
2.8 Distracted Bicycle Riding ........................................................................................ 8
2.9 Bicycle-Related Injuries........................................................................................... 9
2.10 Satisfaction With Community.............................................................................. 10
2.11 Bicycle Safety Training ....................................................................................... 11
2.12 Perceptions Regarding Bicyclist Road Behavior ................................................. 12
3. Key Findings: Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior ......................................................... 13
3.1 Walking Behavior in Summer Months ................................................................. 13
3.2 Pedestrian Safety.................................................................................................... 14
3.3 Availability of Sidewalks ....................................................................................... 15
3.4 Use of Sidewalks.................................................................................................... 16
3.5 Walking-Related Injuries ....................................................................................... 17
3.6 Satisfaction With Community................................................................................ 18
4. Comparison of 2002 and 2012 Results .......................................................................... 19
4.1 Frequency of Bicycling .......................................................................................... 19
4.2 Change in Bicycling Behavior ............................................................................... 20
4.3 Frequency of Walking............................................................................................ 21
4.4 Change in Walking Behavior ................................................................................. 22
ii
1. Introduction
1.1 Background and Objectives
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT) was established to reduce the number of deaths, injuries, and economic losses resulting from
motor vehicle crashes on the Nation’s highways. As part of this mission, NHTSA has implemented
comprehensive programs involving education, enforcement, and outreach to promote bicyclist and
pedestrian safety and reduce the number of injuries and fatalities incurred.
While NHTSA encourages bicycling as an alternate mode of transportation to motor vehicle travel, an
increase in this behavior often results in increased exposure to vehicles and other risks, accentuating the
criticality of designing and implementing effective safety programs. Despite all preventative measures,
crashes and collisions continue to occur. While bicyclists on the road have the same rights and
responsibilities as motorists, motorists and bicyclists do not necessarily abide by the same rules.
Similarly, pedestrian injuries and fatalities result from a number of contributing influences that may
include the inappropriate use of sidewalks, distracted walking, and high-risk environments. Many injuries
and fatalities resulting from crashes and collisions may have been prevented with changes in behavior.
Improvements have been made in recent years regarding the safety of pedestrians, particularly America’s
youngest pedestrians. For example, from 2002 to 2011, the number of pedestrian fatalities among those
14 and younger decreased by 41 percent. 1 Nonetheless, more work remains to be done.
To better understand the attitudes and self-reported behaviors related to bicyclist and pedestrian activities,
NHTSA conducted the National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behaviors in 2002, and
again in 2012. This report presents findings from the 2012 National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian
Attitudes and Behaviors (NSBPAB). Specifically, the 2012 NSBPAB survey assessed the extent to
which respondents engaged in bicycling and walking outdoors; demographic and typological descriptions
of bicyclists and pedestrians; the extent and frequency of using electronic devices while biking or
walking; attitudes and perceptions about bicycling and pedestrian activity; the availability and use of bike
paths and lanes in the community; knowledge of various laws pertaining to bicyclists and pedestrians; and
changes in bicycling and pedestrian behavior and attitudes since 2002.
1
NHTSA, Traffic Safety Facts, 2011 Data, Children (DOT HS 811 767), May, 2013
iii
1.2 Definitions
Bicycle Path. Path away from the roadway on which bicycles can travel. For example, a path through a
wooded area.
Bicycle Lane. Marked lane on a public road reserved for bicycles to travel.
Summer. Summer months are May through September.
Trip. A trip is defined as going from a starting point to a destination for a specific purpose. If you left
your house to go on a bike ride with no real destination and returned to your house that would be 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.
iv
2. Key Findings: Bicyclist Attitudes and Behavior
2.1 Use of Bicycle in Summer Months
Respondents who had ridden their bicycle at least once during the past year were asked how often they
rode their bicycle during the summer months. The responses were limited to the summer months as this
tends to be the time of year when people ride their bicycle more frequently, particularly in seasonal areas
of the United States. The majority of respondents who rode their bicycle within the past year reported
they used their bicycle at least once a week. Very few respondents claimed that they never rode their
bicycle during the summer months.
Figure 2.1
Frequency of Riding a Bicycle During the Summer Months,
Those Who Rode a Bicycle in Past Year
100%
80%
60%
51%
40%
25%
18%
20%
6%
0%
At least once
a week
At least once
a month
At least once
in the summer
Never
Q27. On average during the summer months, how often do you use a bicycle?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past year
Unweighted N=2,580
1
2.2 Bicycling Safety
When asked whether they felt threatened for their personal safety while riding a bicycle on their most
recent travel day, one in eight respondents that had ridden in the past 30 days reported that they felt
threatened during some point on their ride.
Figure 2.2
Felt Threatened for Personal Safety While Bicycling on Last Travel Day
Yes
No
12%
88%
Q17. Did you feel threatened for your personal safety at any time when you rode your bike that day?
Base: Rode a bicycle at least once in the past 30 days at Q4
Unweighted N=1,551
2
2.3 Awareness of Helmet Laws
Respondents were asked if there was a State, city, or county law requiring bicycle helmet use by adults
and/or children. Forty-three percent believed their locality had such a law.
Figure 2.3
Believe Locality Has Bicycle Helmet Law
Yes
No
Don't know
32%
26%
43%
Q47. 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?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=7,509
3
2.4 Helmet Use
The respondents who had ridden a bicycle within the past year were asked how often they wear a helmet.
Close to 3 in 10 responded that they wear a bicycle helmet for all rides. Nearly half of the respondents
reported that they never wear one when riding a bicycle.
Figure 2.4
Frequency of Bicycle Helmet Usage
50%
46%
40%
30%
28%
20%
10%
0%
All rides
7%
6%
5%
Nearly all
rides
Most of
your rides
Q41. When riding a bike, do you wear a helmet for…?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past year
Unweighted N=2,580
4
Some
rides
8%
Not very
many rides
Never
2.5 Availability of Bicycle Paths/Bicycle Lanes
Nearly one-half of respondents reported having bicycle paths available within a quarter mile of where
they live. Four in 10 reported having bicycle lanes available within a quarter mile of where they live.
Figure 2.5
Availability of Bicycle Paths/Bicycle Lanes
Has bicyle paths nearby
Has bicycle lanes nearby
100%
80%
60%
46%
39%
40%
20%
0%
Q31. Are bike paths, that is, paths away from the road on which bikes can travel, available within a
quarter mile of where you live?
Q34. Are bike lanes, that is, marked lanes on a public road reserved for bikes to travel, available within a
quarter mile of where you live?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=7,509
5
2.6 Use of Bicycle Paths
Respondents who had ridden a bicycle within the past year and who have bicycle paths available within a
quarter mile of where they live were more likely to use bicycle paths for at least some of their rides
compared to riders not living near bicycle paths.
Figure 2.6
Frequency of Using Bicycle Paths
By Availability of Bicycle Paths in Neighborhood
Has bicycle paths nearby
n=1,176
50%
Does NOT have bicycle paths nearby
n=1,350
40%
40%
32%
30%
30%
27%
20%
18%
12%
15%
11%
10%
11%
3%
0%
Every time
Most of the time
Some of the time
Q32. Do you ride on bike paths…?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past year
Unweighted N=See Chart
6
Hardly ever
Never
2.7 Use of Bicycle Lanes
Respondents who had ridden a bicycle within the past year and who have bicycle lanes available within a
quarter mile of where they live were also more likely to use bicycle lanes for at least some of their rides
compared to riders not living near bicycle lanes.
Figure 2.7
Frequency of Using Bicycle Lanes
By Availability of Bicycle Lanes in Neighborhood
60%
Has bicycle lanes nearby
n=1,071
Does NOT have bicycle lanes nearby
n=1,478
58%
40%
32%
24%
20%
17%
16%
Every time
9%
6%
4%
0%
23%
Most of the time
Some of the time
Q35. Do you ride in bike lanes…?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past year
Unweighted N=See Chart
7
11%
Hardly ever
Never
2.8 Distracted Bicycle Riding
Two-thirds of respondents who rode a bicycle within the past year reported that they never used electronic
devices during their bicycling trips over that time period. However, one-fifth used electronic devices
during at least some of their bicycling trips.
Figure 2.8
Frequency of Using an Electronic Device While Bicycling
100%
80%
67%
60%
40%
20%
9%
0%
12%
3%
5%
4%
Nearly all your More than half About half your Some of your Almost none of None of your
bike trips
your bike trips
bike trips
bike trips
your bike trips
bike trips
Q26. 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 and the bike was in motion? Did you use an electronic
device during . . .
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past year
Unweighted N=2,580
8
2.9 Bicycle-Related Injuries
Three percent of those who had ridden a bicycle in the past two years had been injured while riding their
bicycle during that time frame. Respondents were told to only count injuries requiring medical attention.
Figure 2.9
Injured While Bicycling Within Past Two Years
Yes
No
3%
97%
Q38. 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.
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past 2 years
Unweighted N=3,401
9
2.10 Satisfaction With Community
The majority of respondents were satisfied with how their community was designed for making bike
riding safe, while one-fourth reported they were dissatisfied.
Figure 2.10
Satisfaction With How Community is Designed for Bicycling
Very or
somewhat
satisfied
Neither satisfied
nor dissatisfied
Very or
somewhat
dissatisfied
27%
53%
16%
Q45. How satisfied are you with how your local community is designed for making bike riding safe?
Base: All respondents except those who said in response to Q1 that they have a disability that prevents
them from riding a bicycle.
Unweighted N=7,420
*Doesn’t add to 100% due to the exclusion of Don’t Know and Refusal responses
10
2.11 Bicycle Safety Training
The survey asked respondents who had ridden a bicycle within the past five years whether they had
received any training in bicycling safety during that time frame. Fewer than 1 in 10 respondents reported
that they had.
Figure 2.11
Received Training in Bicycling Safety
Yes
No
8%
92%
Q20. 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?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past 5 years
Unweighted N=4,080
11
2.12 Perceptions Regarding Bicyclist Road Behavior
Nearly all respondents were aware that the rules that apply to motor vehicles regarding traffic lights and
stop signs also apply to bicyclists. More than 9 in 10 reported that a bicyclist must stop at traffic lights
and stop signs.
Figure 2.12
Stop at Traffic Lights or Stop Signs While Riding on Road
Must stop,
like motor vehicles
Can use
own judgment
Don't Know
1%
6%
93%
Q83. 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?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=7,509
12
3. Key Findings: Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior
3.1 Walking Behavior in Summer Months
Respondents who had walked outside for five minutes or more at least once during the past year were
asked how often they walk during the summer months. Four in five respondents reported walking at least
once a week. Very few respondents claimed that they never walked during the summer months.
Figure 3.1
Frequency of Walking During the Summer Months,
Those Who Walked Outside in Past Year
100%
80%
81%
60%
40%
20%
0%
11%
At least once
a week
At least once
a month
4%
3%
Less than once
a month
Never
Q72. On average during the summer months, how often do you walk?
Base: Walked within the past year
Unweighted N = 6,542
13
3.2 Pedestrian Safety
When asked whether they felt threatened for their personal safety during the most recent day they had
walked outside, less than 1 in 10 respondents that had walked outside in the past month reported that they
felt threatened during some point on their walk.
Figure 3.2
Felt Threatened for Personal Safety While Walking on Last Travel Day
Yes
No
8%
92%
Q65. Did you feel threatened for your personal safety at any time while walking, jogging, running, that
day?
Base: Walked within the past month
N=5,966
14
3.3 Availability of Sidewalks
Respondents were asked about the availability of sidewalks in their neighborhood. More than one-third
reported that sidewalks were found along almost all streets in their neighborhood. Just over 3 in 10
reported that there were no sidewalks along any streets in their neighborhood.
Figure 3.3
Availability of Sidewalks in Neighborhood
Along almost
all streets
Along most
streets
Along some
streets
32%
36%
15%
16%
Q74. Are there sidewalks in your neighborhood?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N= 7,509
15
Along no
streets
3.4 Use of Sidewalks
Respondents who reported having sidewalks along at least some streets in their neighborhood were asked
how frequently they used them. Three-quarters reported using sidewalks most or every time they walk
outside.
Figure 3.4
Frequency of Sidewalk Use
50%
41%
40%
34%
30%
20%
15%
10%
6%
3%
0%
Every time
Most of the time Some of the time
Hardly ever
Never
Q76. Do you use sidewalks…?
Base: Respondents who walked outside at least once in the past year and have sidewalks available in
their neighborhood
Unweighted N=4,416
16
3.5 Walking-Related Injuries
Three percent of respondents who have walked within the past two years had been injured while walking
during that time period.
Figure 3.5
Injured While Walking Within Past Two Years
Yes
No
3%
97%
Q78. In the past two years, were you ever injured while you were walking? Only count injuries that
required attention by a medical professional.
Base: Walked within the past two years
Unweighted N=6,771
17
3.6 Satisfaction With Community
Seven in 10 respondents reported being very or somewhat satisfied with how their community is designed
for walking. Fewer than one in five respondents were somewhat or very dissatisfied with the design of
their community for walking purposes.
Figure 3.6
Satisfaction With How Community is Designed for Walking
Very or
somewhat
satisfied
Neither satisfied
nor dissatisfied
Very or
somewhat
dissatisfied
10%
18%
71%
Q81. How satisfied are you with your local community is designed for making walking safe?
Base: All respondents except those who said in response to Q51 that they have a disability that prevents
them from walking
Unweighted N=7,456
18
4. Comparison of 2002 and 2012 Results
4.1 Frequency of Bicycling
The 2002 survey asked all respondents how often they rode a bicycle during the summer months. The
majority of respondents reported that they never rode a bicycle in the summer. The 2012 questionnaire
asked the same question only to those respondents who reported riding their bicycle within the past year.
The question was rebased for comparison purposes to include as “Never” in Figure 4.1 those respondents
in 2012 that had not ridden a bicycle in more than a year. Using this method, two-thirds of respondents in
2012 reported that they never ride a bicycle during the summer months. Fifty-seven percent of
respondents in 2002 claimed that they never ride a bicycle during the summer months.
Figure 4.1
Frequency of Riding a Bicycle During the Summer Months
100%
2002
2012
80%
66%
57%
60%
40%
20%
0%
19%
18%
11%
At least once
a week
13%
9%
6%
At least once
a month
At least once
in the summer
Never
2002: Q2. On average during the summer months, how often to you use a bicycle?
Base: All Respondents
Unweighted N=9,616
2012: Q27. On average during the summer months, how often do you use a bicycle?
Base: All Respondents*
Unweighted N=7,509
*Rebased from: Rode a bike within the past year
19
4.2 Change in Bicycling Behavior
The majority of the bicycle questions in the 2002 survey were asked only of respondents who reported
riding their bicycle within the past 30 days. As a result, a number of 2012 estimates have been rebased to
provide accurate comparisons. Figure 4.2 presents estimates from the 2012 survey for those who rode in
the past 30 days despite the question having been answered by those who rode within the past year.
Nearly 4 in 10 respondents in 2012 reported cycling more often than they did a year ago. In 2002, fewer
than 3 in 10 reported cycling more often than they did a year ago.
Figure 4.2
Riding a Bicycle Now Compared to a Year Ago
100%
2002
2012
80%
60%
46%
38%
40%
43%
27%
27%
20%
20%
0%
More often
Same amount
Less often
2002: Q41. Compared to about a year ago, would you say you are now riding a bike more often, less
often, or about the same amount?
Base: Rode a bicycle in the past 30 days
Unweighted N=2,525
2012: Q30. Compared to about a year ago, would you say you are now riding a bike more often, less
often, or about the same amount?
Base: Rode a bicycle in the past 30 days*
Unweighted N=1,551
* Rebased from: Rode a bike within the past year
20
4.3 Frequency of Walking
The frequency of walking during the summer months is largely unchanged from 2002 to 2012. The 2012
estimate was rebased to all respondents, although it was originally asked only of those who walked within
the past year.
Figure 4.3
Frequency of Walking During the Summer Months
100%
80%
2002
72%
2012
71%
60%
40%
20%
9%
0%
At least once
a week
14%
10%
4%
At least once
a month
4%
At least once
in the summer
2002: Q52. On average during the summer months, how often do you walk?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=9,616
2012: Q72. On average during the summer months, how often do you walk?
Base: All respondents*
Unweighted N=7,509
*Rebased from: Walked within the past year
21
15%
Never
4.4 Change in Walking Behavior
In 2002, 27 percent of respondents that had walked in the past 30 days said they were now walking more
often than a year ago compared to 31 percent in 2012.
Figure 4.4
Walking Frequency Now Compared to a Year Ago
100%
2002
2012
80%
60%
53%
47%
40%
27%
31%
25%
20%
0%
16%
More often
Same amount
Less often
2002: Q91. Compared to about a year ago, would you say you are now walking more often, less often, or
about the same amount?
Base: Walked in the past 30 days
Unweighted N=7,585
2012: Q73. Compared to about a year ago, would you say you are now walking more often, less often, or
about the same amount?
Base: Walked in the past 30 days*
Unweighted N=5,999
*Rebased from: Walked within the past year
22
DOT HS 811 841 A
October 2013
10002a-092613-v1c
| File Type | application/pdf |
| Author | Zachary Homer |
| File Modified | 2013-10-01 |
| File Created | 2013-09-26 |