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pdf2012 National Survey of
Bicyclist and Pedestrian
Attitudes and Behavior
Volume 2: Findings Report
DISCLAIMER
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 2: Findings report. (Report No. DOT HS 811 841 B). Washington,
DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Technical Report Documentation Page
1. Report No.
DOT HS 811 841 B
2. Government Accession No.
3. Recipient’s Catalog No.
4. Title and Subtitle
2012 National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior
Volume 2: Findings Report
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- to 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. The 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.This report presents detailed findings from the survey and compares results to the 2002 administration.
17. Key Words
Bicyclist, Pedestrian, Safety,
19. Security Classif. (of this report)
Unclassified
18. Distribution Statement
Document is available to the public from the National Technical Information
Service at www.ntis.gov
.
20. Security Classif. (of this page)
Unclassified
i
21. No. of Pages
162
22. Price
Table of Contents
Background and Objectives ......................................................................................................... 1
Methodology ............................................................................................................................... 2
Definitions .................................................................................................................................. 3
Part I. Bicyclist Attitudes and Behavior ................................................................................... 5
Chapter 1. Overall Bicycling Behavior ........................................................................................ 6
Chapter 2. Trip Characteristics – Most Recent Day Rode a Bicycle ........................................... 18
Chapter 3. Bicycling Habits ...................................................................................................... 28
Chapter 4. Bicyclist Satisfaction ............................................................................................... 56
Chapter 5. Bicycle Safety and Laws of the Road ....................................................................... 69
Chapter 6. Bicycle Results by NHTSA Region ......................................................................... 74
Part II. Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior ............................................................................ 82
Chapter 7. Overall Pedestrian Behavior .................................................................................... 83
Chapter 8. Trip Characteristics – Most Recent Day Went for a Walk ......................................... 93
Chapter 9. Walking Habits ...................................................................................................... 103
Chapter 10. Pedestrian Satisfaction ......................................................................................... 120
Chapter 11. Pedestrian Results by NHTSA Region ................................................................. 135
Chapter 12. Ability to Travel Within the Community Among Those with Disabilities, Health
Impairments, or Conditions that Limit Walking ...................................................................... 142
Part III. Comparison of 2002 and 2012 Surveys................................................................... 149
Chapter 13. Comparison of 2002 and 2012 Surveys ................................................................ 150
ii
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
1
Methodology
A total of 7,509 interviews were conducted among a national representative sample of individuals 16 or
older. To account for the current shift to cell phone use and the underrepresentation of younger
individuals in samples using landline telephones, a partial overlapping dual sampling frame of households
with landline phones, and households that relied only or mostly on cell phones, together with a landline
phone oversample of individuals ages 16 to 39 was used. In all, 4,789 interviews were completed with
individuals from landline households, 2,212 interviews with individuals from cell phone only or cell
phone mostly households, and an additional 508 interviews of individuals ages 16 to 39 were completed
from the landline phone oversample. The samples were combined and weighted to produce national
estimates of the target population within specified limits of expected sampling variability, from which
valid generalizations can be made to the general population in the United States.
The field interviewing for the study commenced on July 12, 2012, following the training of the field
interviewers, and was completed on November 18, 2012. There was a period of interruption from
October 30, 2012, through November 8, 2012, to reduce the burden for respondents who were receiving
many phone calls from political campaigns, since 2012 was a Presidential election year.
The percentages presented in this report are weighted to accurately reflect the national population age 16
or older. Unweighted sample sizes (Ns) are included so that readers know the exact number of
respondents answering a given question, allowing them to estimate sampling precision. All tests for
statistical significance were performed using the Rao-Scott Chi-Square test, which takes into account the
design effect associated with the partial overlapping sample design.
Percentages for some items may not add to 100 percent due to rounding, or because the question allowed
for more than one response. In addition, the number of cases involved in subgroup analyses may not sum
to the grand total who responded to the primary questionnaire item being analyzed. Reasons for this
include some form of non-response on the grouping variable (e.g., “Don’t Know” or “Refused”), or use of
only selected subgroups in the analysis.
For rounding purposes, all variables are rounded based on two decimal places. Any value that had a
decimal of .50 or greater was rounded up and any value that had a decimal below .50 was rounded down.
2
Definitions
For the purposes of this report, the following definitions are used.
Urbanicity. Urbanicity is a derived variable which describes the area where respondents live. The
variable is a result of a cluster analysis of Q99 which asks respondents to identify the types of structures
which are found within a quarter mile of where they live. The cluster analysis yielded five distinct
categories which are described below. It is important to note that these descriptions are not definitive for
each respondent within a cluster, but there is a greater tendency for a respondent to live in an area as
described by each cluster.
•
•
•
•
•
Cluster 1: Similar to a city center or downtown major urban area
Cluster 2: Similar to areas on the outskirts of an urban center which include mixed residential and
retail buildings
Cluster 3: Similar to suburbs or areas further removed from an urban center which are largely
residential
Cluster 4: Similar to small towns surrounded by rural areas
Cluster 5: Similar to rural areas including farms and residential areas not near an urban center
Proportion of Structure Type within Each Cluster
Q99. Are there (READ ITEM) within a quarter
mile of where you live?
A.
Percent that responded “Yes”
Single-family houses
B.
C.
Townhouses, apartments or condos
Mobile homes
D.
E.
Parks or recreational areas
Farms or ranches
F.
H.
Commercial businesses such as stores or
restaurants
Public buildings such as schools, hospitals
or government offices
Industrial buildings or factories
I.
Heavy street traffic
G.
Cluster 1
n=2,858
Cluster 2
n=606
Cluster 3
n=1,705
Cluster 4
n=1,014
Cluster 5
n=1,326
91%
90%
9%
85%
0%
100%
88%
31%
76%
16%
66%
70%
95%
42%
6%
72%
21%
32%
98%
79%
56%
89%
78%
97%
88%
0%
35%
10%
71%
0%
86%
30%
53%
97%
3%
23%
93%
28%
71%
3%
52%
44%
77%
1%
31%
81-100%
71-80%
61-70%
51-60%
0-50%
3
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.
Race. Respondents were asked which of the following categories describes their race and they were
allowed to select more than one category. In the report, we have analyzed this variable as a Multiple
Response, which means one respondent can be listed in more than one category. There were 267
respondents who reported more than one race.
Employment Status. Respondents were allowed to select more than one category for Employment
Status. For example, a respondent could be employed full-time while also going to school. In the report,
we have analyzed this variable as a Multiple Response. There were 261 respondents who reported more
than one employment status.
4
Part I.
Bicyclist Attitudes and Behavior
5
Chapter 1
Overall Bicycling Behavior
The survey asked all respondents when was the last time they rode a bicycle. For a plurality of
respondents, they had not ridden a bicycle in the past five years, although they had at some point in their
lives. Slightly more than one-third reported that they had ridden a bicycle within the past year.
Figure 1.1
Last Time Rode a Bicycle
50%
40%
38%
30%
20%
14%
13%
9%
10%
12%
10%
4%
0%
Within the
past week
Within the
past month
Within the
past year
1-2 years
ago
3-5 years
ago
More than
5 years ago
Never
Q1. When was the last time you rode a bicycle? Do not include stationary bikes.
Base: All Respondents
Unweighted N=7,509
6
1%
Can't ride
bike/Disabled
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. Percentage distributions for selected demographic groups are
provided on the following pages.
Figure 1.2
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
7
Table 1.1
Frequency of Bicycling in Summer Months
By Demographic Characteristics
2,580
At least
once a
week
51%
At least
once a
month
25%
Less than
once a
month
18%
1,445
1,135
55%
45%
22%
29%
416
467
515
529
404
238
48%
50%
52%
52%
53%
53%
222
2,066
77
82
23
264
2,287
Unweighted
N1
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Race (Multiple Response3)
Black or African American
White
Asian
American Indian or Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Never
Total2
6%
100%
17%
19%
6%
7%
100%
100%
26%
26%
28%
24%
21%
20%
18%
17%
17%
18%
19%
17%
8%
6%
4%
6%
7%
9%
100%
99%
101%
100%
100%
99%
49%
50%
59%
59%
62%
27%
26%
21%
18%
19%
17%
18%
19%
13%
12%
7%
6%
1%
9%
7%
100%
100%
100%
99%
100%
58%
50%
20%
26%
17%
18%
4%
7%
99%
101%
Q27. On average during the summer months, how often do you use a bicycle?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past year
1
Some Ns may not add to 2,580 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
2
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than
100% (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
8
Table 1.1
Frequency of Bicycling in Summer Months
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Education
Did not Graduate High School
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity4
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status
(Multiple Response3)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed
Retired
Going to school
Homemaker
Disabled5
Unweighted
N1
At least
once a
week
At least
once a
month
Less than
once a
month
Never
Total2
197
479
387
286
729
483
58%
46%
49%
51%
51%
52%
22%
26%
24%
24%
26%
26%
13%
19%
19%
18%
17%
19%
6%
7%
8%
7%
5%
2%
99%
98%
100%
100%
99%
99%
239
272
340
435
359
666
55%
49%
45%
53%
55%
52%
23%
25%
25%
22%
26%
26%
16%
17%
19%
18%
18%
19%
7%
8%
10%
7%
1%
3%
101%
99%
99%
100%
100%
100%
1,006
181
582
367
444
52%
43%
50%
58%
44%
24%
31%
24%
23%
29%
17%
19%
20%
14%
20%
6%
6%
6%
5%
7%
99%
99%
100%
100%
100%
1,096
1,446
49%
53%
27%
23%
18%
17%
6%
7%
100%
100%
1,419
337
165
291
250
137
36
49%
53%
56%
54%
46%
47%
60%
26%
21%
27%
21%
27%
27%
16%
19%
18%
12%
16%
21%
20%
7%
6%
7%
4%
8%
5%
5%
17%
100%
99%
99%
99%
99%
99%
100%
Q27. On average during the summer months, how often do you use a bicycle?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past year
1
Some Ns may not add to 2,580 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
2
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more
than 100 percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
9
Respondents who had ridden a bicycle in the past year were asked how long their ride lasted on a typical
day. If they were unable to give a time estimate, riders were asked to choose one of four separate time
ranges. The combined answers to these two questions are shown in Figure 1.3. The plurality of
respondents rode for 30 minutes or less on a typical day, while fewer than one-quarter of respondents rode
for an hour or more. The mean and median shown in Figure 1.3 are restricted to those who provided an
estimate in minutes, rather than a time range.
Figure 1.3
Average Length of Ride (in Minutes)
100%
Mean: 65.2 mins
Median: 45.0 mins
80%
60%
40%
42%
36%
20%
15%
7%
0%
0-30 mins
31-60 mins
61-120 mins
121 mins or longer
Q28. On a typical day that you ride a bicycle, about how long do you ride?
Q29. Can you tell me if it was . . . ?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past year
Unweighted N=2,580
10
If respondents had ridden a bicycle in the past year, they were asked how often they currently were riding
compared to a year ago. While 28 percent said they now were riding more often, 32 percent said they
were riding less often. Percentage distributions for selected demographic groups are provided on the
following pages.
Figure 1.4
Change in Riding Frequency From a Year Ago
More often
Same amount
Less often
41%
28%
32%
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 within the past year
Unweighted N=2,580
11
Table 1.2
Change in Riding Frequency from a Year Ago
By Demographic Characteristics
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 or older
Race (Multiple Response3)
Black
White
Asian
Native American/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Unweighted
N1
2,580
More
Often
28%
Same
Amount
41%
Less Often
Total2
32%
101%
1,445
1,135
25%
32%
44%
36%
31%
32%
100%
100%
416
467
515
529
404
238
30%
32%
28%
26%
23%
15%
31%
38%
41%
45%
55%
46%
38%
30%
30%
28%
23%
40%
99%
100%
99%
99%
101%
101%
222
2,066
77
82
23
24%
28%
29%
31%
24%
40%
42%
40%
27%
46%
35%
30%
31%
41%
30%
99%
100%
100%
99%
100%
264
2,287
26%
28%
35%
41%
38%
31%
99%
100%
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 within the past year
1
Some Ns may not add to 2,580 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses being excluded
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100
percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
12
Table 1.2
Change in Riding Frequency from a Year Ago
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Education
Did not Graduate High School
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity4
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status
(Multiple Response3)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed
Retired
Going to School
Homemaker
Disabled5
Unweighted
N1
More
Often
Same
Amount
Less
Often
Total2
197
479
387
286
729
483
19%
25%
34%
30%
30%
26%
42%
39%
36%
37%
43%
47%
39%
35%
30%
33%
26%
27%
100%
99%
100%
100%
99%
100%
239
272
340
435
359
666
31%
27%
25%
28%
32%
25%
33%
34%
41%
45%
45%
45%
36%
39%
34%
27%
22%
30%
100%
100%
100%
100%
99%
100%
1,006
181
582
367
444
29%
23%
23%
37%
22%
38%
38%
44%
35%
50%
33%
39%
32%
28%
28%
100%
100%
99%
100%
100%
1,096
1,446
28%
27%
39%
41%
32%
31%
99%
99%
1,419
337
165
291
250
137
36
28%
27%
24%
21%
29%
31%
30%
42%
41%
41%
46%
29%
35%
50%
30%
32%
35%
32%
41%
34%
20%
100%
100%
100%
99%
99%
100%
100%
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 within the past year
1
Some Ns may not add to 2,580 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses being excluded
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than
100 percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
13
As shown in Figure 1.1, 22 percent of the population 16 and older had ridden a bicycle in the past month.
Of these, the majority is described as “light” riders who rode their bicycles 7 or fewer days during the past
month. The light, medium, and heavy categories were used to describe bicycling frequency in the 2002
NHTSA Bicyclist and Pedestrian Findings Report (Vol 2). Percentage distributions for selected
demographic groups are provided on the following pages.
Figure 1.5
Number of Days Rode a Bicycle in Past 30 Days
Light (1-7 days)
Medium (8-19 days)
Heavy (20-30 days)
19%
16%
Mean: 8.2 days
Median: 5.0 days
65%
Q4. Thinking about the past 30 days, about how many of those days did you ride a bicycle?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past month and specified the number of days ridden
Unweighted N=1,541
14
Table 1.3
Number of Days Rode in Past 30 Days
By Demographic Characteristics
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 or older
Race (Multiple Response3)
Black
White
Asian
Native American/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Unweighted
N1
1,541
Light
1-7 days
65%
Medium
8-19 days
19%
Heavy
20+ days
16%
912
629
61%
71%
21%
17%
18%
13%
100%
101%
251
252
336
322
240
134
60%
64%
73%
62%
66%
74%
21%
20%
17%
18%
21%
16%
19%
16%
10%
20%
13%
10%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
124
1,246
42
40
19
62%
67%
57%
45%
60%
18%
19%
26%
33%
29%
20%
15%
17%
22%
11%
100%
101%
100%
100%
100%
161
1,368
62%
65%
20%
19%
18%
15%
100%
99%
Q4. Thinking about the past 30 days, about how many of those days did you ride a bicycle?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past month and specified the number of days ridden
1
Total2
100%
Some Ns may not add to 1,541 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses being excluded
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100 percent
(see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
15
Table 1.3
Number of Days Rode in Past Month
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Education
Did not Graduate High School
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity4
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status (Multiple Response3)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed
Retired
Going to School
Homemaker
Disabled5
Unweighted
N1
Light
1-7 days
Medium
8-19 days
Heavy
20+ days
Total2
133
259
219
177
438
304
59%
67%
61%
72%
66%
68%
23%
12%
24%
18%
21%
19%
18%
21%
16%
11%
13%
14%
100%
100%
101%
101%
100%
101%
143
150
189
262
228
404
58%
61%
67%
68%
62%
69%
15%
21%
16%
17%
25%
20%
27%
19%
17%
15%
13%
11%
100%
101%
100%
100%
100%
100%
596
102
344
234
265
65%
67%
66%
57%
72%
16%
21%
21%
25%
18%
19%
11%
13%
18%
10%
100%
99%
100%
100%
100%
666
852
73%
59%
17%
21%
11%
20%
101%
100%
846
193
110
172
138
81
25
67%
60%
62%
69%
59%
77%
66%
19%
25%
17%
19%
19%
12%
18%
14%
15%
21%
11%
22%
12%
16%
100%
100%
100%
99%
100%
101%
100%
Q4. Thinking about the past 30 days, about how many of those days did you ride a bicycle?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past month and specified the number of days ridden
1
Some Ns may not add to 1,541 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses being excluded
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100 percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
3
16
Respondents having a child residing in the household between the ages of 5 and 15 were asked the
number of days that the oldest child rides a bicycle during a typical week in the summer. The bicycling
frequency for adults is shown along the x-axis and the child bicycling frequency is given by the categories
in the legend at the top of the figure.
Figure 1.6
Child Bicycling Frequency
By Adult Bicycling Frequency
Every day
50%
40%
Almost every day
(5-6 days)
Few days a week
(2-4 days)
37%
36%
Once a week
36%
35%
30%
20%
26%
21%
19%
12%
12%
10%
0%
Never
Light
n=416
17%
10%
12%
11%
11%
7%
Medium
n=95
Heavy
n=60
Adult Bicycling Frequency
Q96. How many days does this child ride a bicycle during a typical week in the summer?
Base: Have children between the ages of 5 and 15 in household, respondent rode a bicycle in the past 30
days, and respondent specified the number of days the child rides
Unweighted N=See Chart
17
Chapter 2
Trip Characteristics – Most Recent Day Rode a Bicycle
Respondents who had ridden a bicycle within the past month were asked to provide specific trip
information for the most recent day they rode a bicycle. A trip was defined as going from a starting point
to a destination for a specific purpose. Respondents were asked to provide information for each trip they
made that day. The majority of respondents started their day’s first bicycling trip at home.
Figure 2.1
Origin of the Day’s First Bicycling Trip
100%
86%
80%
60%
40%
20%
5%
0%
Home
Park,
field
or path
2%
Relative
or Friend's
home
1%
1%
Work
School
1%
1%
Recreational Rental Spot
area
1%
Stores
Q6. Thinking of this last day that you rode your bike, what was your starting point for your first trip of
the day?
Base: Rode a bicycle at least once in the past 30 days at Q4
Unweighted N=1,551
18
Respondents were also asked to indicate where their first bicycle trip of the day ended. The most
common end point was home.
Figure 2.2
Destination of the Day’s First Bicycling Trip
100%
80%
60%
57%
40%
20%
8%
0%
Home
Park, field
or path
7%
Friend or
relative's
home
7%
Work
7%
Stores
Q8. Where did this trip end?
Base: Rode a bicycle at least once in the past 30 days at Q4
Unweighted N=1,551
19
4%
School
3%
1%
Recreational Restaurant
area
Recreation and exercise were the most commonly cited purposes for the respondents’ first bicycle trip of
the day. One in six respondents used a bicycle to run personal errands.
Figure 2.3
Purpose of the Day’s First Bicycling Trip
100%
80%
60%
40%
33%
28%
17%
20%
0%
Recreation
Exercise/
For health
Personal
errands
8%
7%
Visit a
friend or
relative
Commuting
to/from
work
Q7. What was the main purpose of this trip?
Base: Rode a bicycle at least once in the past 30 days at Q4
Unweighted N=1,551
20
4%
Commuting
to/from
school
The majority of those who rode within the past 30 days made one trip on the most recent day they used a
bicycle. One-fifth made two trips.
Figure 2.4
Number of Bicycling Trips on Last Travel Day
100%
80%
71%
60%
40%
20%
20%
5%
3%
1%
3 trips
4 trips
5 or more trips
0%
1 trip
2 trips
Q9. Did you take any more bike trips on this day?
Base: Rode a bicycle at least once in the past 30 days at Q4
Unweighted N=1,551
21
The majority of respondents who rode a bicycle within the past 30 days said they rode alone on the most
recent day.
Figure 2.5
Bicycling Alone or With Others on Last Travel Day
Traveled alone
Traveled with others
37%
62%
Q16. Was anyone else with you when you were riding your bicycle that day, or was all your riding done
alone?
Base: Rode a bicycle at least once in the past 30 days at Q4
Unweighted N=1,551
22
When asked whether they felt threatened for their personal safety while riding a bicycle that day, one in
eight respondents reported that they felt threatened during some point on their ride.
Figure 2.6
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
23
Whereas 12 percent of those who rode a bicycle in the past 30 days felt threatened for their personal
safety on the last day they rode, the figure was 18 percent among Hispanics, 20 percent among
respondents ages 25 to 34, and 21 percent in urbanicity cluster 2.
Table 2.1
Felt Threatened for Personal Safety While Bicycling on Last
Travel Day
By Demographic Characteristics
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Race (Multiple Response2)
Black or African American
White
Asian
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Unweighted N1
1,551
Felt Threatened
12%
920
631
12%
13%
256
253
337
323
241
135
9%
20%
11%
12%
12%
9%
125
1,251
43
42
19
13%
11%
10%
17%
11%
162
1,377
18%
12%
Q17. Did you feel threatened for your personal safety at any time while bicycling that day?
Base: Rode a bicycle at least once in the past 30 days at Q4
1
Some Ns may not add to 1,551 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; (see page 4)
3
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
4
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not
recorded.
2
24
Table 2.1
Felt Threatened for Personal Safety While Bicycling on Last
Travel Day
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Education
Did not Graduate High School
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity3
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status
(Multiple Response2)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed
Retired
Going to school
Homemaker
Disabled4
Unweighted N1
Felt Threatened
135
264
220
178
439
304
9%
15%
11%
11%
13%
13%
147
151
190
264
229
404
13%
16%
13%
12%
13%
11%
600
104
345
235
267
14%
21%
10%
11%
8%
670
857
12%
13%
850
193
112
173
141
81
25
13%
9%
13%
12%
9%
14%
38%
Q17. Did you feel threatened for your personal safety at any time while bicycling that day?
Base: Rode a bicycle at least once in the past 30 days at Q4
1
Some Ns may not add to 1,551 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; (see page 4)
3
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
4
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not
recorded.
2
25
Those who felt threatened for their personal safety during their most recent bicycle ride were asked what
made them feel in danger. Four potential causes were read to respondents. The respondents could reply
“Yes” to any or all of the causes. The respondents were then given an opportunity to volunteer other
causes for their feeling threatened. Motorists were most often cited as the source of concerns, followed
by uneven walkways or roadway surfaces.
Figure 2.7
Reasons Felt Threatened for Personal Safety
100%
83%
80%
60%
43%
40%
20%
0%
12%
Motorists*
Uneven
walkways
or roadway
surfaces*
12%
7%
Dogs or The potential Uncoopeother
for crime*
rative/
animals*
inattentive
drivers
5%
4%
Lack
of
room
to ride
Too much
bicycle
pedestrian
traffic
Q18. Did you feel threatened for your personal safety because of any of the following?
Base: Felt threatened for personal safety while riding a bike
Unweighted N=187
* Categories read to respondents
26
The respondents who felt threatened by motorists were asked which specific actions made them fear for
their personal safety. The plurality of respondents said that motorists drove too close to them and one in
four mentioned that motorists drove too fast.
Figure 2.8
Five Most Frequently Reported Actions Motorists Did that Were Threatening
50%
40%
39%
30%
24%
20%
16%
13%
12%
10%
0%
Drove very
close to me
Too fast
Almost
hit me
Cut me off
Q19. What did motorists do to make you feel threatened?
Base: Felt threatened for personal safety while riding a bike due to motorists
Unweighted N=160
27
Just the presence
of motorists was
threatening
Chapter 3
Bicycling Habits
Among the respondents who had ridden a bicycle within the past year, relatively few did a substantial
amount of riding in the dark or near dark. More than 7 in 10 did none or almost none of their bicycling in
the dark or near dark.
Figure 3.1
Bicycling in the Dark or Near-Dark
50%
46%
40%
30%
25%
20%
10%
0%
3%
2%
Nearly all
More than half
11%
12%
About half
Some
Almost none
None
Q23. During the past year, how much of your biking was done when it was dark or nearly dark outside?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past year
Unweighted N=2,580
28
The majority of past month heavy riders did at least some of their bicycling in the dark or near dark
within the past year. One-quarter of light riders and 4 in 10 medium riders declared that at least some of
their bicycling was done in the dark.
Figure 3.2
Did at Least Some Bicycling in the Dark or Near-Dark
By Bicycling Frequency
60%
55%
50%
42%
40%
30%
24%
20%
10%
0%
Light (1-7 days)
n=1,028
Medium (8-19 days)
n=299
Heavy (20+ days)
n=214
Q23. During the past year, how much of your biking was done when it was dark or nearly dark outside?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past month
Unweighted N=See Chart
29
Forty-one percent of Hispanic respondents who had ridden a bicycle within the past year had done at least
some of their bicycling in the dark or near dark during that time period compared to 26 percent of nonHispanic respondents.
Figure 3.3
Did at Least Some Bicycling in the Dark or Near-Dark
By Hispanic Ethnicity
60%
50%
40%
41%
30%
26%
20%
10%
0%
Hispanic
n=264
Non-Hispanic
n=2,287
Q23. During the past year, how much of your biking was done when it was dark or nearly dark outside?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past year
Unweighted N=See Chart
*29 cases did not report their Hispanic origin, and are missing from the analysis
30
Nearly three-quarters of those who did at least some biking in the dark or near-dark tried to make
themselves more visible to motorists.
Figure 3.4
Tried to Make Themselves More Visible to Motorists
Yes
No
28%
72%
Q24. When you ride your bike after dark, do you do anything to make yourself more visible to motorists?
Base: At least sometimes rode a bicycle in the dark or near dark within the past year
Unweighted N=612
31
Those respondents who said they do something to make themselves or their bicycle more visible while
riding after dark were then asked what they did to increase their visibility. Slightly more than 4 in 10
cited using a bike headlight. A similar percentage reported wearing fluorescent/reflective clothing and/or
shoes. One-third cited using a bike taillight.
Figure 3.5
Methods of Making Selves More Visible to Motorists
50%
44%
42%
40%
34%
29%
30%
20%
12%
10%
0%
5%
Bike
headlight
Wear
fluorescent/
reflective
clothing/
shoes
Bike
taillight
Ensure
bicycle
has
reflectors
Wear other
lights on self
or belongings
Light
colored
clothing
Q25. What do you do to make yourself or your bike more visible after dark?
Base: Made themselves visible to motorists when bicycling in the dark or near-dark
Unweighted N=446
32
Nearly one-half of respondents have bicycle paths available within a quarter mile of where they live.
Fewer reported having bicycle lanes available within that distance. The majority of respondents living in
urbanicity cluster 1 (see definition on page 3) have bicycle paths and/or bicycle lanes near where they
live.
Figure 3.6
Availability of Bicycle Paths and Bicycle Lanes
By Urbanicity*
Bicyle paths
100%
Bicycle lanes
80%
58%
60%
53%
40%
53%
47%
46%
39%
46%
39%
28%
21%
20%
0%
19%
10%
Total
n=7,509
Cluster 1
n=2,858
Cluster 2
n=606
Cluster 3
n=1,705
Cluster 4
n=1,014
Cluster5
n=1,326
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=See Chart
* For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
33
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 (p<.001) to use bicycle paths for at least some of their
rides compared to riders not living near bicycle paths.
Figure 3.7
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
34
Hardly ever
Never
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 (p<.001) to use bicycle lanes for at least some of
their rides compared to riders not living near bicycle lanes.
Figure 3.8
Frequency of Using Bicycle Lanes
By Availability of Bicycle Lanes in Neighborhood
Has bicycle lanes nearby
n=1,071
60%
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
35
11%
Hardly ever
Never
Figure 3.9 shows the percentages of bicyclists that used bicycle paths and bicycle lanes during the last day
they rode a bicycle, broken out by recent bicycling frequency.
Figure 3.9
Riding Surface on Last Travel Day
By Bicycling Frequency
Light
n=1,028
Medium
n=299
Heavy
n=214
30%
25%
20%
18%
19%
15%
15%
13%
13%
10%
7%
5%
0%
Bicycle paths
Bicycle lanes
Q14. When you rode your bicycle that day, did you ride mostly on…?
Base: Rode a bicycle in past 30 days
Unweighted N=See Chart
36
Those who have bicycle paths or bicycle lanes available within a quarter mile of where they live but
hardly ever or never use them were asked the main reason why not. Most often people reported that the
bicycle paths/lanes don’t go where they need to go. One-quarter said that they hardly ever or never use
bicycle lanes because they don’t feel safe riding on them.
Figure 3.10
Reported Reasons for not Using
Bicycle Paths/Bicycle Lanes
Bicycle paths
n=298
50%
40%
30%
Bicycle lanes
n=290
37%
29%
25%
20%
8%
10%
7%
7%
7%
3%
0%
Don't go where
I need to go
No/Few
paths/lanes
available
Don't
feel safe
Prefer
Road
6%
5%
Don't
use by
choice
Q33/Q36. What is the main reason that you choose not to use the bike paths/bike lanes…?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past year, and has bicycle paths/bicycle lanes available within a quarter
mile of where they live but hardly ever or never use them
Unweighted N=See Chart
37
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. Percentage distributions for selected demographic groups are
provided on the following pages.
Figure 3.11
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
bike trips
your bike trips
bike trips
bike trips
your 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
38
Table 3.1
Used an Electronic Device While Bicycling
By Demographic Characteristics
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 or older
Race (Multiple Response3)
Black
White
Asian
Native American/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Education
Did not Graduate High School
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Unweighted
N1
2,580
At least
some of
the rides
21%
Almost
none/none of
the rides
79%
1,445
1,135
24%
17%
76%
83%
100%
100%
416
467
515
529
404
238
38%
22%
21%
11%
7%
4%
62%
77%
79%
89%
92%
96%
100%
99%
100%
100%
100%
100%
222
2,066
77
82
23
29%
18%
34%
19%
27%
70%
82%
66%
77%
73%
99%
100%
100%
97%
100%
264
2,287
32%
19%
66%
81%
98%
100%
197
479
387
286
729
483
27%
24%
25%
17%
17%
12%
73%
76%
75%
83%
83%
88%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Total2
100%
Q26. During the past year, how often did you use an electric device like a cell phone or a 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
1
Some Ns may not add to 2,580 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100 percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
3
39
Table 3.1
Used an Electronic Device While Bicycling
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity4
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status (Multiple Response3)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed
Retired
Going to School
Homemaker
Disabled5
Unweighted
N1
At least
some of
the rides
Almost
none/none
of the rides
Total2
239
272
340
435
359
666
27%
20%
17%
21%
21%
17%
72%
79%
83%
78%
78%
82%
99%
99%
100%
99%
99%
99%
1,006
181
582
367
444
24%
16%
20%
25%
11%
75%
84%
80%
75%
89%
99%
100%
100%
100%
100%
1,096
1,446
21%
21%
79%
79%
100%
100%
1,419
337
165
291
250
137
36
19%
25%
23%
7%
37%
15%
17%
80%
75%
77%
93%
63%
85%
81%
99%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
98%
Q26. During the past year, how often did you use an electric device like a cell phone or a 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
1
Some Ns may not add to 2,580 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100 percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
40
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.
Percentage distributions for selected demographic groups are provided on the following pages.
Figure 3.12
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
41
Table 3.3
Injured While Bicycling
By Demographic Characteristics
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Race (Multiple Response2)
Black or African American
White
Asian
American Indian or Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Unweighted
N1
3,401
Injured while
Bicycling
3%
1,836
1,565
4%
3%
552
611
643
715
542
324
6%
4%
3%
1%
1%
1%
306
2,687
107
121
32
5%
3%
5%
9%
13%
361
3,002
4%
3%
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 two years
1
Some Ns may not add to 3,401 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category;
(see page 4)
3
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
4
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability
was not recorded.
2
42
Table 3.3
Injured While Bicycling
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Education
Did not Graduate High School
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity3
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status
(Multiple Response2)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed and looking for work
Retired
Going to school
Homemaker
Disabled4
Unweighted
N1
Injured while
Bicycling
264
667
539
387
924
597
7%
2%
3%
4%
3%
3%
336
395
470
562
473
817
8%
4%
2%
3%
2%
2%
1,349
249
741
478
584
4%
3%
3%
5%
2%
1,410
1,937
3%
4%
1,839
432
229
403
329
183
58
2%
3%
5%
1%
7%
5%
10%
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 two years
1
Some Ns may not add to 3,401 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category;
(see page 4)
3
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
4
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of
disability was not recorded.
2
43
Three-in-ten respondents that experienced a bicycling injury reported that their injury was the result of
being hit by a car. For the other respondents who had been injured while bicycling, 17 percent reported a
fall as the source of their injury. Thirteen percent had been injured because of walkway/roadway not
being in good repair, and the same percentage reported that they made an error while bicycling or
neglected to pay attention.
Figure 3.13
Six Most Frequent Sources of Injury
50%
40%
30%
29%
20%
17%
13%
13%
10%
0%
7%
Hit by
a car
Fell
Roadway/
Walkway
not in good
repair
Rider error/
not paying
attention
Rebased Q39 and Q40
Q39. Was this injury of result of being hit by a car?
Q40. How did you injure yourself while riding your bike?
Base: Have been injured while riding a bicycle in past two years
Unweighted N=101
44
Crashed/
Collision
4%
Dog ran out
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 3.14
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
45
Respondents tend to favor bicycle helmet laws for children more than they do for adults.
Figure 3.15
Support for Helmet Laws
100%
87%
80%
63%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Favor a Law for Children to Wear
Helmet
Favor a Law for Adult to Wear Helmet
Q50a. Do you favor or oppose laws that require children to wear helmets whenever they are riding a
bike?
Q50b. Do you favor or oppose laws that require adults to wear helmets whenever they are riding a bike?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=7,509
46
The respondents who had ridden a bicycle within the past year were asked how often they wear a helmet.
Close to three-in-ten responded that they wear a bicycle helmet for all rides. Nearly one-half of the
respondents reported that they never wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
Figure 3.16
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
47
Some
rides
8%
Not very
many rides
Never
The percentage of riders that wore a helmet on a regular basis did not vary greatly by past month
bicycling frequency.
Figure 3.17
Wear a Bicycle Helmet for All or Nearly All Rides
By Bicycling Frequency
50%
40%
41%
36%
39%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Light (1-7 days)
n=1,028
Medium (8-19 days)
n=299
Q41. When riding a bike, do you wear a helmet for…?
Base: Rode a bicycle in the past 30 days
Unweighted N=See Chart
48
Heavy (20+ days)
n=214
Those who don’t wear a bicycle helmet for all of their rides were asked the reason why. Nine potential
reasons were read to respondents. The respondents could answer “yes” to any or all of the reasons. The
respondents were then given an opportunity to volunteer other reasons why they don’t always wear a
helmet. The three most common answers were “don’t wear helmet for short trips,” “don’t have a
helmet,” and “helmets are uncomfortable.”
Figure 3.18
Reasons for Not Wearing a Helmet
100%
80%
60%
55%
50%
43%
40%
39%
27%
25%
20%
0%
15%
Don't Don't have Helmets
a helmet
are
wear
helmet
uncomfor short
fortable
trips
13%
Too hot Don't like Forget to Don't think Helmets
to be
the way
helmets cost too
wear it
wearing you look
provide
much
a helmet
when
much
wearing
protection
a helmet
in case of
accidents
Q42. What are the reasons you don’t always wear a bike helmet?
Base: Don’t wear a helmet for all bicycle rides
Unweighted N=1,751
49
11%
Helmets
obstruct
vision
5%
Don't
need
to
wear
one
Respondents that had a child between the ages of 5 and 15 residing in the household that rides a bicycle
were asked about the oldest child’s helmet usage. Close to one-half reported that the oldest child wears a
helmet for all his or her bicycle rides. Nearly one-fifth reported that the oldest child never wears a helmet
when bicycling.
Figure 3.19
Oldest Child Helmet Usage
50%
45%
40%
30%
18%
20%
10%
0%
All rides
10%
9%
10%
Nearly all rides
Most rides
Some rides
7%
Not very many
rides
Never
Q97. When riding a bicycle, does this child wear a helmet for…?
Base: Have children under 16 in household and the oldest child (minimum age of 5) rides a bicycle at
least one day during a typical week in the summer
Unweighted N=1,351
50
Twenty-one States* and the District of Columbia have a bicycle helmet law that applies to young riders.
The respondents who reside in States with a helmet law and who have children under 16 living in their
household who ride a bicycle were more likely (p<.001) to report that the oldest child wears a helmet for
all his or her bicycle rides.
Figure 3.20
Child Wears a Bicycle Helmet for All Rides
By States With a Helmet Law for Younger Riders
100%
80%
60%
50%
39%
40%
20%
0%
Statewide bicycle
helmet laws that
apply to young riders
n=729
No statewide
bicycle helmet laws
n=622
Q97. When riding a bicycle, does this child wear a helmet for…?
Base: Have children under 16 in household and the oldest child (minimum age of 5) rides a bicycle at
least one day during a typical week in the summer
Unweighted N=See Chart
*States with a statewide bicycle helmet law for young riders (AL, CA, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, LA,
ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OR, PA, RI, TN, WA)**
** Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) www.iihs.org/laws/HelmetUseCurrent.aspx
51
Almost half of the children ages 5 through 15 who ride a bicycle once a week during the summer months
wore their helmet for all rides. Close to two in five children who ride their bicycle every day wore their
helmet for all rides.
Figure 3.21
Child Wears a Bicycle Helmet for All Rides
By Child Bicycling Frequency
60%
48%
49%
43%
40%
39%
20%
0%
Every day
n=313
Almost every day
(5-6 days)
n=175
Few days a week
(2-4 days)
n=587
Once a week
n=234
Child Bicycling Frequency
Q97. When riding a bicycle, does this child wear a helmet for…?
Base: Have children under 16 in household and the oldest child (minimum age of 5) rides a bicycle at
least one day during a typical week in the summer
Unweighted N=See chart
52
All respondents were asked to give their opinion on whether they thought bike helmets provided
protection against head injuries. They were more inclined to think that bike helmets provide a high level
of protection to children than think they provide a high level of protection to adults. More than 9 in 10
respondents thought that bike helmets provide at least some protection for children, and for adults.
Figure 3.22
Opinion on Bike Helmet in Protecting Against Head Injuries
31%
25%
5%
6%
2%
Very little
protection
Some
protection
2%
A lot of
protection
60%
68%
Children
Don't
know
Adults
Q43. 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?
Q44. What about for adults? Do bike helmets provide adults very little protection, some protection, or a
lot of protection against head injuries?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=7,509
53
The opinion on bike helmets protecting against head injuries did not vary greatly across age groups and
gender.
Figure 3.23
Opinion on Bike Helmet in Protecting Against Head Injuries
By Gender and Age
A lot of protection for children
A lot of protection for adults
100%
80%
68%
60%
67%
60%
59%
69%
68%
68%
62%
56%
69%
69%
61%
63%
61%
67%
65%
62%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Total
Males Females
n=7,509 n=3,351 n=4,158
16-24
n=795
GENDER
25-34
65+
35-44
45-54
55-64
n=1,022 n=1,154 n=1,403 n=1,430 n=1,666
AGE
Q43. 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?
Q44. What about for adults? Do bike helmets provide adults very little protection, some protection, or a
lot of protection against head injuries?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=See Chart
54
Opinion on bike helmets protecting against head injuries didn’t vary noticeably by past month bicycling
frequency.
Figure 3.24
Opinion on Bike Helmet in Protecting Against Head Injuries
By Bicycling Frequency
A lot of protection for children
A lot of protection for adults
100%
80%
80%
77%
69%
77%
70%
65%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Light (1-7 days)
n=1,028
Medium (8-19 days)
n=299
Heavy (20+ days)
n=214
Q43. 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?
Q44. What about for adults? Do bike helmets provide adults very little protection, some protection, or a
lot of protection against head injuries?
Base: Rode a bicycle in past 30 days
Unweighted N=See Chart
55
Chapter 4
Bicyclist Satisfaction
The majority of respondents were satisfied with how their community was designed for making bike
riding safe, while about one-fourth reported they were dissatisfied. Percentage distributions for selected
demographic groups are provided on the following pages.
Figure 4.1
Satisfied 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
56
Table 4.1
Satisfied With How Community is Designed for Bicycling
By Demographic Characteristics
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 or older
Race (Multiple Response3)
Black
White
Asian
Native American/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Education
Did not Graduate High School
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Unweighted
N1
7,420
Very or
Somewhat
Satisfied
53%
Neither
Satisfied nor
Dissatisfied
16%
Very or
Somewhat
Dissatisfied
27%
3,322
4,098
56%
50%
16%
16%
24%
30%
96%
96%
792
1,015
1,144
1,395
1,409
1,627
60%
49%
51%
52%
50%
56%
17%
20%
18%
17%
14%
11%
23%
28%
30%
29%
31%
22%
100%
97%
99%
98%
95%
89%
814
5,694
223
271
52
57%
52%
57%
47%
47%
13%
17%
20%
14%
14%
29%
27%
20%
35%
33%
99%
96%
97%
96%
94%
778
6,558
54%
53%
15%
17%
28%
27%
97%
97%
669
1,794
1,244
797
1,718
1,146
59%
53%
51%
50%
52%
50%
11%
15%
18%
17%
18%
18%
24%
27%
27%
29%
27%
28%
94%
95%
96%
96%
97%
96%
Total2
96%
Q45. How satisfied are you with how your local community is designed for making bike riding safe? Are you…?
Base: All respondents except those who said in response to Q1 that they have a disability that prevents them from riding a bicycle.
1
Some Ns may not add to 7,420 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100 percent
(see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
57
Table 4.1
Satisfied With How Community is Designed for Bicycling
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Unweighted
N1
Very or
Somewhat
Satisfied
Neither
Satisfied nor
Dissatisfied
Very or
Somewhat
dissatisfied
Total2
Less than $15,000
916
56%
13%
28%
97%
$15,000 - $29,999
1,087
51%
15%
30%
96%
$30,000 - $49,999
1,191
54%
15%
26%
95%
$50,000 - $74,999
1,172
51%
19%
27%
97%
$75,000 - $99,999
821
52%
19%
26%
97%
$100,000 or more
1,348
51%
18%
28%
97%
Cluster 1
2,827
57%
15%
25%
97%
Cluster 2
599
38%
19%
37%
94%
Cluster 3
1,689
55%
15%
26%
96%
Cluster 4
999
57%
15%
25%
97%
Cluster 5
1,306
43%
21%
30%
94%
Yes
2,387
51%
18%
29%
98%
No
4,875
54%
15%
26%
95%
Employed full-time
3,351
51%
18%
28%
97%
Employed part-time
767
57%
14%
27%
98%
Unemployed
462
52%
16%
28%
96%
1,753
55%
12%
24%
91%
Going to School
483
58%
16%
25%
99%
Homemaker
447
49%
18%
30%
97%
Disabled5
263
50%
11%
32%
93%
Household Income
Urbanicity
4
Children Under 16 in Household
Employment Status
(Multiple Response3)
Retired
Respondents cited a variety of changes they would like to see implemented for bicyclists. Close to onethird desired more bike lanes, while one in six respondents wanted more bike paths.
Q45. How satisfied are you with how your local community is designed for making bike riding safe? Are you…?
Base: All respondents except those who said in response to Q1 that they have a disability that prevents them from riding a bicycle.
1
Some Ns may not add to 7,420 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100
percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
3
58
Figure 4.2
Changes Desired in Community for Bicyclists
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
30%
29%
16%
8%
7%
5%
5%
2%
1%
More bike More bike Increase Improve More bike Increase
Allow
Clear
lanes
paths
safety
existing
trails Education bikes on bikeway
police
roads,
sidewalks markings
presence paths,
sidewalks
None,
can't
think of
any
Q46. What changes, if any, would you like to see your local government make in your community for
bicyclists?
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
59
Nearly 4 in 10 past-month medium and heavy riders would like to see their local government implement
more bike lanes in their community. Three in 10 past-month light riders couldn’t think of any change.
Figure 4.3
Three Most Frequently Reported Changes Desired in Community
By Bicycling Frequency
Light
(1-7 days)
n=1,028
50%
40%
30%
38%
Medium
(8-19 days)
n=299
Heavy
(20+ days)
n=214
39%
30%
29%
20%
20%
18%
16%
19%
17%
10%
0%
More bike
lanes
More bike
paths
None, can't
think of any
Q46. What changes, if any, would you like to see your local government make in your community for
bicyclists?
Base: Rode a bicycle in past 30 days at Q4
Unweighted N=See Chart
60
Desire for more bike lanes or bike paths showed little variation across categories of urbanicity. See page
3 for urbanicity cluster definitions
Figure 4.4
Three Most Frequently Reported Changes Desired in Community
By Urbanicity
Cluster 1
n=2,827
50%
Cluster 2
n=599
Cluster 3
n=1,689
Cluster 4
n=999
Cluster 5
n=1,306
40%
30%
31% 32%
30%
30%
26% 27%
26%
20%
20%
15%
18%
32%
35%
24%
17%
13%
10%
0%
More bike lanes
More bike paths
None, can't think of any
Q46. What changes, if any, would you like to see your local government make in your community for
bicyclists?
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=See Chart
61
Respondents were asked if they would like to bicycle more than they currently are doing. The majority
agreed that they would.
Figure 4.5
Opinion
“I Would Like to Bicycle More Than I am Currently Bicycling”
Agree
Neither agree
nor disagree
Disagree
33%
55%
11%
Q86b. Please tell me whether you agree, disagree, or neither agree nor disagree with the following
statement: “I would like to bicycle more than I am currently bicycling”
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
62
Past month light and medium bicyclists were more likely (p<.01) to report that they would like to bicycle
more than those who are heavy riders.
Figure 4.6
Agreed With Statement
“I Would Like to Bicycle More Than I am Currently Bicycling”
By Bicycling Frequency
100%
80%
75%
72%
61%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Light (1-7 days)
n=1,027
Medium (8-19 days)
n=299
Heavy (20+ days)
n=214
Q86b. Please tell me whether you agree, disagree, or neither agree nor disagree with the following
statement: “I would like to bicycle more than I am currently bicycling”
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past 30 days
Unweighted N=See Chart
63
For those who expressed a desire to bicycle more, the survey asked them to indicate the main reason they
do not bicycle as much as they would like. Close to one-third reported that they were too busy. The
second most common reason mentioned was not having access to a bicycle.
Figure 4.7
Five Most Frequently Reported Reasons for Not Bicycling as Much as Desired
50%
40%
30%
31%
20%
14%
12%
10%
0%
Too
busy
Don't
have
a bike
Poor
health
5%
4%
Safety
concerns
Can't
ride
Q88. What would you say is the most important reason why you do not bicycle as much as you would
like?
Base: Respondents who would like to bicycle more than they currently are
Unweighted N=3,989
64
All respondents were asked if they considered it safe or dangerous to ride a bicycle in their neighborhood.
Sixty-one percent considered their neighborhood a safe place to ride a bicycle, and 28 percent said it
depends. Percentage distributions for selected demographic groups are provided on the following pages.
Figure 4.8
Consider It Safe or Dangerous To Ride a Bicycle in Neighborhood
Safe
Dangerous
It depends
28%
61%
9%
Q91. Is it safe or dangerous to ride a bicycle in your neighborhood or does it depend?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=7,509
65
Table 4.2
Consider It Safe or Dangerous To Bicycle in Neighborhood
By Demographic Characteristics
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Race (Multiple Response3)
Black or African American
White
Asian
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Total2
9%
It
Depends
28%
67%
56%
7%
11%
25%
31%
99%
98%
795
1,022
1,154
1,403
1,430
1,666
68%
61%
56%
61%
61%
62%
4%
8%
11%
10%
12%
10%
28%
29%
31%
29%
27%
26%
100%
98%
98%
100%
100%
98%
830
5,759
224
276
52
60%
63%
64%
55%
58%
7%
9%
4%
12%
5%
33%
27%
28%
33%
36%
100%
99%
96%
100%
99%
785
6,637
57%
62%
13%
9%
29%
28%
99%
99%
Unweighted
N1
7,509
Safe
Dangerous
61%
3,351
4,158
Q91. Is it safe or dangerous to ride a bicycle in your neighborhood or does it depend?
Base: All respondents
1
98%
Some Ns may not add to 7,509 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100 percent
(see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
66
Table 4.2
Consider It Safe or Dangerous To Bicycle in Neighborhood
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Education
Did not Graduate High School
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity4
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status (Multiple Response3)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed
Retired
Going to school
Homemaker
Disabled5
Unweighted
N1
Safe
Dangerous
It Depends
Total2
685
1,829
1,257
803
1,729
1,153
58%
60%
62%
64%
65%
63%
12%
10%
8%
9%
8%
9%
29%
29%
29%
27%
27%
27%
99%
99%
99%
99%
100%
99%
944
1,110
1,202
1,182
824
1,349
55%
58%
58%
65%
67%
69%
11%
13%
9%
8%
7%
8%
34%
28%
32%
26%
26%
24%
100%
99%
99%
99%
100%
101%
2,858
606
1,705
1,014
1,326
59%
50%
69%
67%
59%
8%
15%
7%
7%
15%
32%
34%
24%
25%
26%
99%
99%
100%
99%
100%
2,408
4,943
60%
62%
9%
9%
30%
27%
99%
98%
3,361
774
470
1,788
485
450
288
63%
63%
60%
62%
64%
52%
49%
8%
8%
8%
10%
6%
16%
16%
28%
29%
32%
26%
30%
31%
32%
99%
100%
100%
98%
100%
99%
97%
Q91. Is it safe or dangerous to ride a bicycle in your neighborhood or does it depend?
Base: All respondents
1
Some Ns may not add to 7,509 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100 percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
67
A variety of reasons were cited by respondents who indicated that it is dangerous to ride a bicycle in their
neighborhood. The three most frequently reported reasons were traffic and congestion, fast moving
traffic, and distracted drivers and riders.
Figure 4.9
Five Most Frequently Reported Reasons Why It Is Dangerous to Bicycle in
Neighborhood
50%
40%
30%
20%
19%
14%
11%
10%
0%
Traffic/
Congestion
Fast
moving
traffic
Distracted
drivers/
riders
10%
No/Few
bike lanes or
bike paths
8%
Drivers/
Riders
don't obey
traffic laws
Q92. Why do you feel it is dangerous to ride a bicycle in your neighborhood?
Base: Respondents who said it is dangerous to bicycle in their neighborhood and gave a reason
Unweighted N=2,692
68
Chapter 5
Bicycle Safety and Laws of the Road
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 5.1
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 past 5 years
Unweighted N=4,080
69
For those respondents who received training in bicycling safety, they were asked to indicate who provided
the training to them. The three providers most commonly cited were school, local bike
programs/organizations, and family.
Figure 5.2
Eight Most Frequently Reported Safety Training Providers
25%
20%
17%
14%
15%
13%
10%
10%
5%
0%
School
Local bike
programs/
organization
Family
Bicycle
store
5%
5%
5%
5%
Police
Scouts
Employer
Bicycle
club
Q21. Who provided the training to you?
Base: Received training in bicycling safety within past 5 years
Unweighted N=305
70
The survey asked respondents who had ridden a bicycle within the past five years where they would go or
look for information if they wanted to learn about bicycling safety. The majority said they would use the
Internet.
Figure 5.3
Five Most Frequently Reported Sources of Information on Bicycling Safety
100%
80%
60%
56%
40%
20%
0%
Internet
7%
5%
4%
4%
Bicycle store
Police
Local bike
programs/services
Dept of
Motor Vehicles
Q22. If you wanted to learn about bicycling safety, where would you go or look for information?
Base: Rode a bicycle within past 5 years
Unweighted N=4,080
71
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 5.4
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
72
When asked whether bicyclists were just as entitled to ride on the road as were motorists, about two-thirds
agreed with that statement while close to one-fourth disagreed.
Figure 5.5
Agreed With Statement
“Bicyclists Are Just as Entitled to Ride on the Road as Are Motorists”
Agree
Neither agree
nor disagree
Disagree
Don't Know
1%
23%
7%
69%
Q86c. Please tell me whether you agree, disagree, or neither agree nor disagree: “Bicyclists are just as
entitled to ride on the road as are motorists”
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=7,509
73
Chapter 6
Bicycle Results by NHTSA Region
NHTSA segments the country into 10 Regions (see Table 6.1a) for programmatic outreach. In this
chapter, the regional response to selected questions is presented.
Table 6.1
Last Time Rode a Bicycle
Total
Respondents
Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Never
Can’t
Ride a
bike/
disable
d
Total1
38%
4%
1%
101%
36%
39%
41%
40%
34%
42%
41%
35%
34%
30%
3%
6%
4%
3%
1%
4%
3%
1%
4%
3%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
2%
2%
*
1%
2%
100%
100%
99%
100%
99%
99%
101%
101%
100%
100%
3-5
Years
ago
More
Than 5
Years
ago
12%
10%
11%
10%
11%
12%
13%
14%
13%
11%
13%
11%
10%
11%
10%
12%
8%
8%
9%
9%
9%
8%
Unweighted
N
Within
the
Past
week
Within
the
Past
month
Within
the
Past
year
1-2
Years
ago
7,509
13%
9%
14%
403
1,170
829
1,017
1,277
790
406
299
915
403
12%
11%
8%
12%
16%
10%
11%
15%
15%
21%
14%
8%
8%
8%
13%
6%
8%
15%
9%
11%
13%
14%
16%
12%
13%
13%
14%
15%
15%
14%
Q1. When was the last time you rode a bicycle? Do not include stationary bikes.
Base: All Respondents
* Less than 0.5%
1
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
Table 6.1a. NHTSA Regions and States
Region
States
Region 1
CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
Region 2
NJ, NY, PA
Region 3
DE, DC, KY, MD, NC, VA, WV
Region 4
AL, GA, FL, SC, TN
Region 5
IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
Region 6
LA, MS, NM, OK, TX
Region 7
AR, IA, KS, MO, NE
Region 8
CO, NV, ND, SD, WY, UT
Region 9
AZ, CA, HI
Region 10
AK, ID, MT, OR, WA
74
Figure 6.1
Rode a Bicycle at Least Once in the Past Month
50%
40%
30%
26%
22%
20%
19%
32%
30%
29%
24%
21%
17%
16%
19%
10%
0%
4
Total
1
2
3
5
6
n=7,509 n=403 n=1,170 n=829 n=1,017 n=1,277 n=790
7
n=406
8
n=299
9
n=915
NHTSA Region
Q1. When was the last time you rode a bicycle? Do not include stationary bikes.
Base: All Respondents
Unweighted N=See Chart
75
10
n=403
Table 6.2
Bicycling Frequency Compared to Last Year
Total
Respondents
Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Unweighted
N
More Often
Same Amount
Less Often
Total1
2,580
28%
41%
32%
101%
149
375
255
328
505
216
122
120
345
165
19%
23%
32%
28%
28%
27%
35%
24%
30%
27%
46%
43%
41%
41%
41%
42%
39%
40%
39%
32%
33%
34%
27%
31%
31%
30%
26%
36%
31%
41%
98%
100%
100%
100%
100%
99%
100%
100%
100%
100%
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 within the past year
1
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
76
Figure 6.2
Availability of Bicycle Paths/Bicycle Lanes
Bicycle paths
100%
Bicycle lanes
80%
58%
60%
40%
42%
31%
42%
42%
40%
32%
35%
68%
62%
54%
51%
55%
47%
41%
37%
31%
36%
30%
24%
20%
0%
1
n=403
2
n=1,170
3
n=829
4
5
n=1,017 n=1,277
6
n=790
7
n=406
8
n=299
9
n=915
10
n=403
NHTSA Region
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=See Chart
77
Figure 6.3
Used an Electronic Device During Nearly All or More than Half of
Bicycle Trips
25%
20%
18%
15%
15%
12%
14%
13%
12%
10%
10%
9%
7%
5%
5%
0%
Total
1
n=2,580 n=149
2
n=375
3
n=255
5%
4
n=328
5
n=505
6
n=216
7
n=122
8
n=120
9
n=345
10
n=165
NHTSA Region
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?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past year
Unweighted N=See Chart
78
Figure 6.4
Injured While Riding a Bicycle
15%
10%
5%
5%
3%
0%
Total
1
n=3,401 n=193
5%
5%
4%
4%
3%
3%
2%
2
n=487
3%
2%
3
n=341
4
n=439
5
n=658
6
n=311
7
n=166
8
n=152
9
n=451
10
n=203
NHTSA Region
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 two years
Unweighted N=See Chart
79
Figure 6.5
Wear a Helmet for All or Nearly All Rides
60%
46%
40%
34%
44%
48%
44%
36%
35%
27%
25%
30%
24%
20%
0%
1
Total
n=2,580 n=149
2
n=375
3
n=255
4
n=328
5
n=505
NHTSA Region
Q41. When riding a bike, do you wear a helmet for…?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past year
Unweighted N=See Chart
80
6
n=216
7
n=122
8
n=120
9
n=345
10
n=165
Figure 6.6
Very or Somewhat Satisfied With How Community is
Designed for Bicycling
80%
65%
60%
53%
51%
45%
47%
57%
52%
56%
61%
61%
9
n=907
10
n=398
45%
40%
20%
0%
Total
1
2
3
4
5
6
n=7,420 n=399 n=1,158 n=821 n=1,005 n=1,258 n=777
7
n=400
8
n=297
NHTSA Region
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=See Chart
81
Part II.
Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior
82
Chapter 7
Overall Pedestrian Behavior
The survey asked all respondents when was the last time they walked, jogged, or ran outside for more
than 5 minutes (referred to as “walking” for the remainder of this report). The majority of respondents
said they had walked outside for five minutes or more within the past week. Nearly 90 percent had done
so within the past year.
Figure 7.1
Last Time Walked Outside
100%
80%
70%
60%
40%
20%
0%
11%
7%
3%
Within the Within the Within the 1-2 years
past week past month past year
ago
2%
5%
3-5 years More than
ago
5 years ago
1%
1%
Never
Can't walk/
Disabled
Q51. When was the last time you walked, jogged, or ran outside for 5 minutes or more?
Base: All Respondents
Unweighted N=7,509
83
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.
Percentage distributions for selected demographic groups are provided on the following pages.
Figure 7.2
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
84
Table 7.1
Frequency of Walking in Summer Months
By Demographic Characteristics
6,542
At least
once a
week
81%
At least
once a
month
11%
Less than
once a
month
4%
2,935
3,607
81%
80%
11%
11%
763
972
1,061
1,267
1,219
1,226
81%
81%
80%
82%
80%
79%
719
5,016
208
230
50
700
5,768
Unweighte
d N1
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Race (Multiple Response3)
Black or African American
White
Asian
American Indian or Alaska
Native Hawaiian/ Pacific
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Never
Total2
3%
99%
4%
5%
3%
3%
99%
99%
13%
11%
12%
11%
11%
9%
3%
4%
5%
4%
5%
6%
3%
3%
3%
3%
3%
4%
100%
99%
100%
100%
99%
98%
78%
82%
82%
82%
84%
11%
11%
11%
12%
14%
6%
4%
1%
3%
1%
4%
3%
4%
2%
1%
99%
100%
99%
99%
100%
77%
81%
12%
11%
6%
4%
4%
3%
99%
99%
Q72. On average during the summer months, how often do you walk?
Base: Walked within the past year
1
Some Ns may not add to 6,542 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than
100 percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
85
Table 7.1
Frequency of Walking in Summer Months
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Education
Did not Graduate High School
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity4
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status
(Multiple Response3)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed
Retired
Going to school
Homemaker
Disabled5
Unweighted
N1
At least
once a
week
At least
once a
month
Less than
once a
month
Never
Total2
544
1,511
1,087
711
1,575
1,067
77%
79%
81%
82%
83%
85%
11%
11%
13%
11%
11%
10%
5%
6%
3%
5%
3%
3%
6%
3%
2%
3%
3%
2%
99%
99%
99%
101%
100%
100%
763
921
1,029
1,071
753
1,266
81%
79%
81%
80%
84%
84%
10%
12%
11%
13%
9%
12%
4%
6%
4%
5%
3%
2%
4%
3%
3%
2%
3%
2%
99%
100%
99%
100%
99%
100%
2,578
497
1,487
865
1,115
82%
78%
81%
80%
80%
10%
11%
12%
12%
12%
4%
7%
4%
5%
4%
3%
4%
3%
3%
4%
99%
100%
100%
100%
100%
2,217
4,190
80%
81%
12%
11%
4%
5%
3%
3%
99%
100%
3,092
720
410
1,359
460
399
197
81%
83%
81%
80%
84%
81%
80%
12%
11%
13%
10%
10%
11%
12%
5%
3%
4%
6%
4%
4%
3%
3%
3%
3%
4%
2%
4%
4%
101%
100%
101%
100%
100%
100%
99%
Q72. On average during the summer months, how often do you walk?
Base: Walked within the past year
1
Some Ns may not add to 6,542 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than
100 percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
3
86
The majority of respondents who have walked within the past year reported that they walk the same
amount compared to a year ago. Close to 3 in 10 respondents reported that they now walk more often
than they did a year ago. Percentage distributions for selected demographic groups are provided on the
following pages.
Figure 7.3
Change in Walking Frequency Compared to a Year Ago
More often
Same amount
Less often
29%
52%
19%
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 within the past year
Unweighted N=6,542
87
Table 7.2
Change in Walking Frequency from a Year Ago
By Demographic Characteristics
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Race (Multiple Response3)
Black or African American
White
Asian
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Unweighted N1
More
Often
Same
Amount
Less
Often
Total2
6,542
29%
52%
19%
100%
2,935
3,607
28%
30%
55%
50%
17%
20%
100%
100%
763
972
1,061
1,267
1,219
1,226
40%
36%
30%
25%
25%
15%
40%
49%
52%
59%
57%
59%
20%
16%
19%
16%
19%
27%
100%
101%
101%
100%
101%
101%
719
5,016
208
230
50
38%
27%
23%
35%
22%
40%
55%
60%
43%
56%
21%
17%
17%
22%
22%
99%
99%
100%
100%
100%
700
5,768
31%
29%
46%
53%
22%
18%
99%
100%
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 within the past year
1
Some Ns may not add to 6,542 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100
percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
88
Table 7.2
Change in Walking Frequency from a Year Ago
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Education
Did not Graduate High School
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity4
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status
(Multiple Response3)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed
Retired
Going to school
Homemaker
Disabled5
Unweighted
N1
More
Often
Same
Amount
Less
Often
Total2
544
1,511
1,087
711
1,575
1,067
30%
28%
32%
33%
27%
24%
48%
51%
47%
50%
56%
63%
21%
21%
20%
17%
17%
13%
99%
100%
99%
100%
100%
100%
763
921
1,029
1,071
753
1,266
35%
33%
30%
23%
28%
27%
45%
46%
51%
58%
57%
59%
20%
21%
19%
18%
15%
15%
100%
100%
100%
99%
100%
101%
2,578
497
1,487
865
1,115
32%
30%
25%
32%
25%
49%
51%
55%
49%
59%
19%
19%
21%
18%
16%
100%
100%
101%
99%
100%
2,217
4,190
32%
27%
49%
54%
18%
19%
99%
100%
3,092
720
410
1,359
460
399
197
29%
33%
40%
18%
36%
34%
27%
55%
49%
41%
58%
46%
46%
48%
17%
18%
19%
24%
18%
19%
25%
101%
100%
100%
100%
100%
99%
100%
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 within the past year
1
Some Ns may not add to 6,542 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100
percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
3
89
For those respondents who walked within the past 30 days, a plurality of them are described as “heavy”
walkers, while 30 percent were “light” walkers and 26 percent were “medium” walkers. The light,
medium, and heavy categories were used to describe walking frequency in the 2002 NHTSA Bicyclist
and Pedestrian Findings Report (Vol. 2). Percentage distributions for selected demographic groups are
provided on the following pages.
Figure 7.4
Number of Days Walked in Past 30 Days
Light (1-7 days)
Medium (8-19 days)
Heavy (20+ days)
30%
Mean: 15.9 days
Median: 15.0 days
44%
26%
Q52. Thinking about the past 30 days, about how many of those days did you walk, jog or run outside?
Base: Walked within the past 30 days and specified the number of days walked
Unweighted N = 5,905
90
Table 7.3
Number of Days Walked in Past 30 Days
By Demographic Characteristics
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 or older
Race (Multiple Response3)
Black
White
Asian
Native American/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Unweighted
N1
5,905
Light
1-7 days
30%
Medium
8-19 days
26%
Heavy
20+ days
44%
2,661
3,244
29%
32%
26%
26%
45%
42%
100%
100%
699
901
982
1,163
1,086
1,044
27%
28%
32%
31%
34%
31%
23%
27%
27%
26%
25%
25%
49%
45%
40%
43%
41%
44%
99%
100%
99%
100%
100%
100%
637
4,561
187
208
47
33%
30%
25%
29%
23%
21%
26%
32%
23%
21%
45%
44%
43%
47%
55%
99%
100%
100%
99%
99%
612
5,228
32%
30%
24%
26%
44%
44%
100%
100%
Q52. Thinking about the past 30 days, about how many of those days did you walk, jog, or run outside?
Base: Walked within the past 30 daysand specified the number of days walked
1
Total2
100%
Some Ns may not add to 5,905 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100 percent (see
page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
91
Table 7.3
Number of Days Walked in Past 30 Days
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Education
Did not Graduate High School
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity4
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status (Multiple Response3)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed
Retired
Going to School
Homemaker
Disabled5
Unweighted
N1
Light
1-7 days
Medium
8-19 days
Heavy
20+ days
Total2
478
1,317
980
637
1,448
1,003
32%
34%
30%
27%
29%
27%
19%
24%
27%
28%
28%
30%
49%
42%
43%
45%
43%
43%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
684
815
905
975
694
1,180
30%
29%
32%
32%
30%
28%
21%
24%
26%
26%
29%
31%
49%
47%
42%
41%
41%
42%
100%
100%
100%
99%
100%
101%
2,364
431
1,335
775
1,000
29%
33%
33%
29%
32%
24%
27%
28%
28%
25%
48%
40%
39%
43%
43%
101%
100%
100%
100%
100%
2,035
3,746
31%
30%
28%
24%
40%
46%
99%
100%
2,818
667
376
1,167
426
361
175
32%
27%
29%
29%
23%
33%
41%
27%
25%
25%
27%
23%
28%
21%
41%
48%
45%
45%
53%
39%
38%
100%
100%
99%
101%
99%
100%
100%
Q52. Thinking about the past 30 days, about how many of those days did you walk, jog, or run outside?
Base: Walked within the past 30 days and specified the number of days walked
1
Some Ns may not add to 5,905 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100 percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
92
Chapter 8
Trip Characteristics - Most Recent Day Went for a Walk
Respondents who had walked in the past month were asked to provide trip information for the most recent
day they walked outside for five minutes or more, including origins and destinations, and trip purpose. A
trip was defined as going from a starting point to a destination for a specific purpose. Respondents were
asked to provide information for each trip they made that day. Four in five respondents started the day’s
first walking trip from home.
Figure 8.1
Origin of the Day’s First Walking Trip
100%
80%
82%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Home
4%
4%
Work
Park,
field,
or trail
2%
2%
1%
1%
1%
Transportation
sites
School
Recreational
area
Friend or
relative's
home
Stores
Q54. What was your starting point for your first trip of the day?
Base: Walked outside at least once in the past 30 days at Q52
Unweighted N=5,966
93
Respondents were then asked for the destination of their first walking trip. Nearly 6 in 10 respondents
identified home as their end point.
Figure 8.2
Destination of the Day’s First Walking Trip
100%
80%
60%
59%
40%
20%
0%
Home
7%
7%
6%
6%
Park,
field
or path
Stores
Work
Friend or
relative's
home
Q56. Where did this trip end?
Base: Walked outside at least once in the past 30 days at Q52
Unweighted N=5,966
94
4%
3%
Transportation
sites
School
2%
2%
Recreational Restaurant
area
Exercise, personal errands, and recreation were the most commonly cited purposes for the day’s first
walking trip among the respondents who had walked in the past month.
Figure 8.3
Purpose of the Day’s First Walking Trip
50%
40%
39%
30%
20%
17%
15%
10%
0%
7%
Exercise/for
my health
Personal
errands
Recreation
Walk the
dog
7%
Visit a
friend or
relative
Q55. What was the main purpose of this trip?
Base: Walked outside at least once in the past 30 days at Q52
Unweighted N=5,966
95
5%
3%
Commuting Commuting
to/from
to/from
school
work
2%
Required
for my job
The majority of respondents took just one trip on the last day they walked. One-fifth took a second trip,
and 1 in 10 respondents took three or more trips that day.
Figure 8.4
Number of Walking Trips on Last Travel Day
100%
80%
69%
60%
40%
21%
20%
6%
0%
1 trip
2 trips
3 trips
Q57. Did you take any more walking trips on this day?
Base: Walked outside at least once in the past 30 days at Q52
Unweighted N=5,966
96
3%
4 trips
1%
5 or more trips
Almost two-thirds of respondents walked alone during the last day they walked outside for 5 minutes or
more.
Figure 8.5
Walking Alone or With Others on Last Travel Day
Walked with others
Walked alone
37%
63%
Q64. Was anyone else with you when you were walking, jogging, or running, or was all of your walking,
jogging, or running done alone?
Base: Walked outside at least once in the past 30 days at Q52
Unweighted N=5,966
97
When asked whether they felt threatened for their personal safety while walking that day, fewer than 1 in
10 respondents reported that they felt threatened during some point on their walk.
Figure 8.6
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, or running that
day?
Base: Walked outside at least once in the past 30 days at Q52
Unweighted N=5,966
98
Hispanic respondents were almost three times as likely to report feeling threatened as Non-Hispanic
respondents.
Table 8.1
Felt Threatened for Personal Safety While Walking on
Last Travel Day
By Demographic Characteristics
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Race (Multiple Response2)
Black or African American
White
Asian
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Unweighted
N1
Felt Threatened
5,966
8%
2,684
3,282
6%
9%
704
907
986
1,174
1,091
1,074
7%
8%
9%
8%
7%
7%
643
4,601
190
209
47
9%
6%
8%
9%
1%
625
5,275
17%
6%
Q65. Did you feel threatened for your personal safety at any time while walking, jogging, or
running that day?
Base: Walked outside at least once in the past 30 days at Q52
1
Some Ns may not add to 5,966 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category;
(see page 4)
3
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
4
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability
was not recorded.
2
99
Table 8.1
Felt Threatened for Personal Safety While Walking on
Last Travel Day
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Education
Did not Graduate High School
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity3
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status
(Multiple Response2)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed
Retired
Going to school
Homemaker
Disabled4
Unweighted
N1
Felt Threatened
491
1,338
989
640
1,456
1,009
13%
8%
7%
8%
5%
6%
696
828
913
981
699
1,182
12%
9%
6%
4%
6%
6%
2,384
439
1,346
786
1,011
8%
10%
6%
9%
5%
2,046
3,794
10%
6%
2,832
670
382
1,197
427
364
177
7%
10%
10%
6%
6%
11%
14%
Q65. Did you feel threatened for your personal safety at any time while walking, jogging, or
running that day?
Base: Walked outside at least once in the past 30 days at Q52
1
Some Ns may not add to 5,966 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category;
(see page 4)
3
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
4
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability
was not recorded.
2
100
Those who felt threatened for their personal safety during the most recent day they walked outside were
asked what made them feel in danger. Four potential causes were read to respondents. The respondents
could reply “yes” to any or all of the causes. The respondents were then given an opportunity to
volunteer other causes for their feeling threatened. Motorists were cited most often as the source of
concern.
Figure 8.7
Reasons Felt Threatened for Personal Safety
100%
80%
67%
60%
40%
40%
36%
36%
Dogs or
other animals*
The potential
for crime*
20%
0%
Motorists*
Uneven
walkways/
roadway
surfaces*
Q66. Did you feel threatened for your personal safety because of any of the following?
Base: Felt threatened for personal safety
Unweighted N=414
*Response categories read to respondents
101
Respondents who reported feeling threatened by motorists were asked what the motorist did that caused
them to feel threatened. The most frequently cited threatening actions were the speed of the motorist and
how close the motorist drove by the respondent.
Figure 8.8
Five Most Frequently Reported Actions Motorists Did that Were Threatening
50%
40%
38%
30%
26%
20%
9%
9%
8%
Presence
of motorists
is threatening
Almost
hit me
Distracted
10%
0%
Drove
too fast
Drove very
close to me
Q67. What did motorists do to make you feel threatened?
Base: Indicated personal safety was threatened by motorists
Unweighted N=279
102
Chapter 9
Walking Habits
Respondents who had walked outside for five minutes or more within the past year were asked how much
of their walking was done when it was dark or nearly dark outside. Almost 6 in 10 did none or almost
none of their walking in the dark. Fewer than 1 in 10 did more than half of their walking in the dark.
Figure 9.1
Walking in the Dark or Near-Dark
50%
40%
34%
30%
24%
20%
18%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Nearly all
4%
More than half
About half
Some
Almost none
None
Q68. During the past year, how much of your walking was done when it was dark or nearly dark outside?
Base: Walked within the past year
Unweighted N=6,542
103
The majority of past month heavy walkers did at least some of their walking in the dark or near dark
within the past year. One-third of light walkers and 4 in 10 medium walkers reported that at least some of
their walking was done in the dark.
Figure 9.2
Did at Least Some Walking in the Dark or Near-Dark
By Walking Frequency
60%
52%
40%
40%
32%
20%
0%
Light (1-7 days)
n=1,793
Medium (8-19 days)
n=1,545
Heavy (20+ days)
n=2,567
Q68. During the past year, how much of your walking was done when it was dark or nearly dark outside?
Base: Walked within the past month
Unweighted N=See Chart
104
Forty-eight percent of Hispanic respondents who had taken walks outside for 5 minutes or more in the
past year had done some of their walking in the dark or near dark, compared to 40 percent of nonHispanic respondents.
Figure 9.3
Did at Least Some Walking in the Dark or Near-Dark
By Hispanic Ethnicity
60%
48%
40%
40%
20%
0%
Hispanic
n=700
Non-Hispanic
n=5,768
Q68. During the past year, how much of your walking was done when it was dark or nearly dark outside?
Base: Walked within the past year
Unweighted N=See Chart
105
Respondents who reported doing at least some of their walking in the dark were asked if they did
anything to make themselves more visible to motorists. A majority reported that they did not.
Figure 9.4
Tried to Make Themselves More Visible to Motorists
Yes
No
43%
57%
Q69. When you walk after dark, do you do anything to make yourself more visible to motorists?
Base: Did at least some walking within the past year when it was dark or nearly dark outside
Unweighted N=2,459
106
When asked how they made themselves more visible to motorists, about one-half said they wore light
colored clothing and one-third said they wore fluorescent or reflective clothing. One-quarter wore or
carried a flashlight.
Figure 9.5
Methods of Making Selves More Visible to Motorists
100%
80%
60%
49%
40%
32%
26%
20%
5%
0%
Wear light
colored
clothing
Wear fluorescent
or reflective
clothing/shoes
Wear or carry
a flashlight
Walk only in
well-lit areas
Q70. What do you do to make yourself more visible when walking after dark?
Base: Respondents who make themselves more visible to motorists when walking after dark
Unweighted N=1,060
107
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 9.6
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
108
Along no
streets
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 9.7
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
109
Respondents who hardly ever or never used sidewalks, despite their availability, were asked to give the
reasons why this was the case. Almost one-half indicated that the sidewalks available to them either did
not go where they needed or that there were few or no sidewalks available.
Figure 9.8
Five Most Frequent Reasons Reported for Not Using Sidewalks
50%
40%
30%
24%
23%
20%
12%
10%
0%
7%
Don't go where
I need to go
No/Few
sidewalks
available along
route
Not in
good repair
Prefer
paths/trails
Q77. What is the main reason that you hardly ever or never use sidewalks?
Base: Respondents who hardly ever or never use sidewalks in their neighborhood
Unweighted N=418
110
6%
Prefer
softer
surface
More than one in five respondents reported using an electronic device while they were walking during
nearly all of their walking trips across the past year. About half of respondents reported that they used
electronic devices on none or almost none of their walking trips. Percentage distributions for selected
demographic groups are provided on the following pages.
Figure 9.9
Frequency of Using an Electronic Device While Walking
50%
40%
36%
30%
22%
20%
13%
10%
0%
15%
9%
5%
Nearly all your More than half About half
walking trips your walking your walking
trips
trips
Some of your Almost none of None or your
walking trips your walking walking trips
trips
Q71. During the past year, how often did you use an electronic device like a cell phone or mp3 player
while you were walking outside? Do not count instances when you stopped walking. Did you use an
electronic device during . . .
Base: Walked within the past year
Unweighted N=6,542
111
Table 9.1
Used an Electronic Device While Walking
By Demographic Characteristics
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Race (Multiple Response3)
Black or African American
White
Asian
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Unweighted
N1
Nearly
all your
outdoor
walking
trips
More
than
half
your
walkin
g trips
About
half
your
walking
trips
Some of
your
walking
trips
Almost
none/ None
of your
walking
trips
6,542
22%
5%
9%
13%
51%
100%
2,935
3,607
23%
22%
6%
5%
10%
8%
13%
12%
48%
53%
100%
100%
763
972
1,061
1,267
1,219
1,226
43%
30%
25%
13%
10%
7%
9%
8%
6%
4%
2%
1%
14%
12%
8%
10%
5%
2%
13%
15%
15%
13%
10%
7%
20%
34%
46%
60%
73%
82%
99%
99%
100%
100%
100%
99%
719
5,016
208
230
50
37%
19%
21%
21%
28%
6%
5%
9%
4%
8%
10%
9%
10%
9%
4%
12%
13%
20%
10%
6%
34%
55%
39%
55%
54%
99%
101%
99%
99%
100%
700
5,768
30%
21%
7%
5%
8%
9%
14%
12%
40%
53%
99%
100%
Total2
Q71. During the past year, how often did you use an electronic device like a cell phone or mp3 player while you were walking outside? Do not count instances
when you stopped walking.
Base: Walked within the past year
1
Some N’s may not add to 6,542 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100 percent (see
page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
112
Table 9.1
Used An Electronic Device While Walking
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Education
Did not Graduate High School
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity4
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status
(Multiple Response3)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed
Retired
Going to school
Homemaker
Disabled5
Some of
your
walking
trips
Almost
none/
None of
your
walking
trips
Total2
8%
9%
8%
9%
11%
8%
13%
12%
13%
10%
13%
14%
48%
54%
48%
52%
49%
53%
101%
99%
100%
101%
99%
101%
6%
6%
3%
6%
6%
6%
8%
9%
9%
9%
9%
10%
14%
14%
13%
12%
11%
13%
45%
47%
55%
53%
54%
48%
100%
99%
100%
100%
100%
100%
26%
22%
20%
26%
11%
7%
3%
5%
5%
4%
11%
8%
7%
9%
7%
14%
10%
12%
11%
12%
42%
57%
56%
49%
65%
100%
100%
100%
100%
99%
2,217
4,190
27%
19%
6%
5%
9%
8%
14%
12%
43%
55%
99%
99%
3,092
720
410
1,359
460
399
197
22%
27%
29%
8%
41%
21%
20%
6%
7%
6%
1%
9%
2%
6%
10%
12%
9%
2%
16%
6%
6%
13%
12%
16%
7%
12%
15%
12%
48%
42%
40%
80%
22%
56%
56%
99%
100%
100%
98%
100%
100%
100%
Unweighted
N1
Nearly all
your
outdoor
walking
trips
More than
half your
walking
trips
About half
your
walking
trips
544
1,511
1,087
711
1,575
1,067
28%
20%
26%
23%
20%
19%
4%
4%
5%
7%
6%
7%
763
921
1,029
1,071
753
1,266
27%
23%
20%
20%
20%
23%
2,578
497
1,487
865
1,115
Q71. During the past year, how often did you use an electronic device like a cell phone or mp3 player while you were walking outside? Do not count instances when you
stopped walking.
Base: Walked within the past year
1
Some N’s may not add to 6,542 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100 percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
3
113
Three percent of respondents who have walked within the past two years had been injured while walking
during that time period. Percentage distributions for selected demographic groups are provided on the
following pages.
Figure 9.10
Injured While Walking Within Past Two Years
Yes
No
3%
97%
Q78. In the past two years, were you 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
114
Table 9.2
Injured While Walking
By Demographic Characteristics
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Race (Multiple Response2)
Black or African American
White
Asian
American Indian or Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Unweighted
N1
Injured while
Walking
6,771
3%
3,035
3,736
2%
3%
776
989
1,087
1,301
1,267
1,316
2%
2%
2%
3%
3%
3%
738
5,197
212
241
50
4%
2%
1%
6%
7%
724
5,969
3%
2%
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
1
Some Ns may not add to 6,771 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category;
(see page 4)
3
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
4
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability
was not recorded.
2
115
Table 9.2
Injured While Walking
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Education
Less than High School
High School Diploma
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity3
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status
(Multiple Response2)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed and looking for work
Retired
Going to school
Homemaker
Disabled4
Unweighted
N1
Injured while
Walking
581
1,582
1,126
739
1,607
1,089
2%
3%
2%
2%
3%
3%
803
958
1,075
1,108
773
1,283
3%
2%
3%
3%
2%
2%
2,644
525
1,545
902
1,155
3%
2%
1%
2%
2%
2,272
4,360
3%
3%
3,172
730
425
1,450
472
413
208
2%
3%
1%
3%
1%
3%
8%
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
1
Some Ns may not add to 6,771 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category;
(see page 4)
3
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
4
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of
disability was not recorded.
2
116
One-eighth of respondents that experienced a walking injury reported that their injury was the result of
being hit by a car. For the other pedestrians who had been injured while walking, 24 percent reported they
got hurt as a result of having tripped on an uneven sidewalk.
Figure 9.11
Sources of Injury
50%
40%
30%
24%
20%
17%
12%
10%
0%
Tripped
Tripped/
on an uneven/
Fell
cracked sidewalks
Hit by a car
6%
5%
5%
Wildlife/
pets involved
Tripped
on stone
Stepped
in a hole
Q79. Was this injury a result of being hit by a motor vehicle?
Q80. How did you injure yourself while you were walking?
Base: Have been injured while walking in past two years
Unweighted N=164
117
Respondents having a child younger than 16 living in the household were asked their opinion as to the
youngest age a child is able to cross a neighborhood street alone. More than 40 percent gave an age of 8
or younger. The most frequent response was age 10.
Figure 9.12
Youngest Age a Child Can Cross Neighborhood Street Alone
50%
40%
30%
25%
19%
20%
10%
0%
7%
1%
4
13%
10%
5%
4%
5
6
7
8
9
5%
3%
10
11
12
13
2%
3%
14
15 Don't
Know
2%
CHILD’S AGE
Q94. What is the youngest age that a child is able to cross a neighborhood street alone? A neighborhood
street is defined as having low traffic volume and low traffic speeds.
Base: Respondents who have children under 16 living in their household
Unweighted N=2,408
118
Respondents also were asked if they knew the meaning of flashing red lights on a school bus for an
approaching car. More than four-fifths of respondents correctly stated that it meant to stop until the lights
stopped flashing.
Figure 9.13
Meaning of Flashing Red Lights on a School Bus for Motorists
100%
86%
80%
60%
40%
20%
10%
3%
1%
Slow and then
proceed
with caution
Don't Know
0%
Stop until lights
stop flashing
Be prepared to
stop, if necessary
Q84. What do flashing red lights on a school bus mean for an approaching car?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=7,509
119
Chapter 10
Pedestrian Satisfaction
Seven-in-ten 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. Percentage distributions for selected demographic
groups are provided on the following pages.
Figure 10.1
Satisfied 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 how 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
120
Table 10.1
Satisfied with How Community is Designed for Walking
By Demographic Characteristics
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Race (Multiple Response3)
Black or African American
White
Asian
American Indian or Alaska
Native Hawaiian/Pacific
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Very or
Unweighted Somewhat
satisfied
N1
7,456
71%
Neither
satisfied nor
dissatisfied
10%
Very or
Somewhat
dissatisfied
18%
Total2
99%
3,328
4,128
73%
69%
10%
11%
16%
20%
99%
100%
793
1,020
1,151
1,398
1,419
1,636
74%
71%
69%
68%
69%
73%
12%
11%
10%
11%
10%
6%
14%
18%
19%
19%
20%
17%
100%
100%
98%
98%
99%
96%
827
5,715
224
273
51
68%
70%
77%
64%
65%
9%
11%
8%
13%
11%
22%
18%
13%
21%
24%
99%
99%
98%
100%
100%
783
6,586
76%
70%
7%
11%
17%
18%
100%
99%
Q81. How satisfied are you with how 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.
1
Some Ns may not add to 7,456 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100
percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
121
Table 10.1
Satisfied with How Community is Designed for Walking
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Education
Did not Graduate High
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity4
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in
Yes
No
Employment Status (Multiple
Response3)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed and looking for
Retired
Going to school
Homemaker
Disabled5
Unweighted
N1
Very
satisfied/
Somewhat
satisfied
Neither
satisfied
nor
dissatisfied
Very
dissatisfied/
Somewhat
dissatisfied
Total2
680
1,815
1,244
796
1,719
1,149
73%
70%
70%
71%
72%
71%
6%
10%
11%
12%
12%
11%
19%
19%
19%
16%
16%
17%
98%
99%
100%
99%
100%
99%
928
1,097
1,197
1,175
823
1,345
71%
68%
70%
70%
71%
73%
7%
11%
10%
12%
12%
10%
21%
20%
19%
17%
16%
15%
99%
99%
99%
99%
99%
98%
2,845
596
1,693
1,009
1,313
77%
55%
74%
72%
58%
8%
14%
8%
10%
16%
14%
31%
16%
17%
23%
99%
100%
98%
99%
97%
2,397
4,901
68%
73%
11%
10%
21%
16%
100%
99%
3,360
769
467
1,761
485
446
273
70%
73%
72%
73%
75%
66%
61%
12%
8%
9%
7%
9%
11%
10%
17%
18%
17%
17%
16%
21%
26%
100%
99%
98%
97%
100%
98%
97%
Q81. How satisfied are you with how 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.
1
Some Ns may not add to 7,456 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100
percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
3
122
When asked what changes respondents would like to see their local government make in their community
for pedestrians, 4 in 10 couldn’t think of any. Those who offered a suggestion most often cited more
sidewalks as the desired change they would like to see made in their community. Adding lights on streets
and improvements to sidewalks, along with more signals, crosswalks, and pedestrian paths, were among
other desired changes. Respondents could volunteer more than one suggestion.
Figure 10.2
Changes Desired in Community for Pedestrians
50%
42%
40%
30%
23%
20%
10%
0%
7%
More
sidewalks
More lights
on street
6%
4%
Sidewalk/
More/Improved
walkway
traffic lights,
improvements
signals,
and crosswalks
4%
4%
More
crosswalks
More
pedestrian
paths/trails/
lanes
None, can't
think of any
Q82. What changes, if any, would you like to see your local government make in your community for
pedestrians?
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
123
The changes that respondents would like to see made in their communities did not appreciably differ by
past month walking frequency.
Figure 10.3
Three Most Frequently Reported Changes Desired in Community
By Walking Frequency
Light (1-7 days)
n=1,793
50%
Medium (8-19 days)
n=1,545
Heavy (20+ days)
n=2,567
40%
30%
25%
25%
22%
20%
10%
0%
8%
7%
More
sidewalks
More lights
on streets
8%
5%
8%
7%
Sidewalk/
walkway
improvements
Q82. What changes, if any, would you like to see your local government make in your community for
pedestrians?
Base: Walked within the past month
Unweighted N=See Chart
124
Unlike walking frequency, there were differences in desired changes according to urbanicity.
Respondents in Cluster 2 areas were twice as likely as those in “Cluster 1” to want more sidewalks.
Descriptions of each cluster are provided on page 3.
Figure 10.4
Three Most Frequently Reported Changes Desired in Community
By Urbanicity
Cluster 1
n=2,845
Cluster 2
n=596
Cluster 3
n=1,693
Cluster 4
n=1,009
Cluster 5
n=1,313
60%
39%
40%
25%
20%
27%
19%
22%
10%
5%
0%
More
sidewalks
10%
7% 7%
More lights
on streets
3%
2%
4%
6%
2%
Sidewalk/
walkway
improvements
Q82. What changes, if any, would you like to see your local government make in your community for
pedestrians?
Base: All respondents except those who said in response to Q51 that they have a disability that prevents
them from walking
Unweighted N=See Chart
125
Nearly 7 in 10 respondents agreed with the statement that they would like to walk more than they
currently do.
Figure 10.5
Agreed with Statement
“I Would Like to Walk More Than I am Currently Walking”
Agree
Neither agree
nor disagree
Disagree
9%
68%
22%
Q86a. Please tell me whether you agree, disagree, or neither agree nor disagree with the following
statement: “I would like to walk more than I am currently walking”
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
126
Past month light and medium walkers were more likely (p<.001) to report that they would like to walk
more than those who are heavy walkers.
Figure 10.6
Agreed With Statement
“I Would Like to Walk More Than I am Currently Walking”
By Walking Frequency
100%
80%
79%
71%
60%
55%
40%
20%
0%
Light (1-7 days)
n=1,793
Medium (8-19 days)
n=1,545
Heavy (20+ days)
n=2,567
Q86a. Please tell me whether you agree, disagree, or neither agree nor disagree with the following
statement: “I would like to walk more than I am currently walking”
Base: Walked in the past 30 days
Unweighted N=See Chart
127
Two in five respondents said they do not walk as often as they would like because they are too busy.
Nearly one-fifth of respondents attributed the reason to poor health.
Figure 10.7
Five Most Frequently Reported Reasons for Not Walking as Much as Desired
50%
40%
40%
30%
20%
18%
8%
10%
0%
Too busy
Poor health
Laziness
7%
Weather
4%
No sidewalks/
Sidewalks
in poor
condition
Q87. What would you say is the most important reason why you do not walk as much as you would like?
Base: Respondents who indicated they would like to walk more than they currently do
Unweighted N=5,097
128
Nearly all respondents agreed that manuals used to study for getting a driver’s license should provide
information about how to avoid accidents with pedestrians and bicyclists.
Figure 10.8
Driver’s License Study Materials Should Provide Information on How To
Avoid Accidents With Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Agree
Neither agree
nor disagree
Disagree
2% 3%
94%
86d. Manuals used to study for a driver’s license should include information about how to avoid accidents
with pedestrians and bicyclists…do you agree, disagree, or neither agree nor disagree?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=7,509
129
Nearly 9 in 10 respondents agreed that drivers who don't yield to pedestrians walking legally at a
crosswalk should be ticketed. Less than one-tenth disagreed.
Figure 10.9
Drivers Who Fail to Yield at Crosswalks Should Be Ticketed
Agree
5%
Neither agree
nor disagree
Disagree
8%
87%
Q86e. A driver who doesn’t yield to pedestrians walking legally at a crosswalk should be ticketed…do
you agree, disagree, or neither agree nor disagree?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=7,509
130
All respondents were asked if they considered it safe or dangerous to walk in their neighborhood.
Seventy percent considered their neighborhood a safe place to walk, while close to a quarter said it
depends. Percentage distributions for selected demographic groups are provided on the following pages.
Figure 10.10
Consider It Safe or Dangerous To Walk in Neighborhood
Safe
Dangerous
It depends
6%
23%
70%
Q89. Is it safe or dangerous to walk in your neighborhood or does it depend?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=7,509
131
Table 10.2
Consider It Safe or Dangerous To Walk in Neighborhood
By Demographic Characteristics
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Race (Multiple Response3)
Black or African American
White
Asian
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Unweighted
N1
7,509
Safe
70%
Dangerous
6%
It
Depends
23%
Total2
3,351
4,158
75%
66%
5%
7%
20%
27%
100%
100%
795
1,022
1,154
1,403
1,430
1,666
67%
69%
68%
71%
73%
73%
4%
5%
6%
5%
7%
9%
29%
26%
26%
23%
19%
18%
100%
100%
100%
99%
99%
100%
830
5,759
224
276
52
61%
73%
74%
63%
62%
6%
5%
3%
6%
7%
32%
21%
23%
30%
31%
99%
99%
100%
99%
100%
785
6,637
63%
72%
10%
5%
27%
23%
100%
100%
Q89. Is it safe or dangerous to walk in your neighborhood or does it depend?
Base: All respondents
1
99%
Some Ns may not add to 7,509 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
3
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100
percent (see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
132
Table 10.2
Consider It Safe or Dangerous To Walk in Neighborhood
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Education
Did not Graduate High School
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity4
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status
(Multiple Response3)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed
Retired
Going to school
Homemaker
Disabled5
Unweighted
N1
Safe
Dangerous
It
Depends
Total2
685
1,829
1,257
803
1,729
1,153
63%
67%
70%
72%
78%
78%
10%
7%
5%
5%
4%
4%
27%
25%
25%
23%
18%
17%
100%
99%
100%
100%
100%
99%
944
1,110
1,202
1,182
824
1,349
56%
66%
68%
75%
78%
80%
10%
9%
6%
4%
4%
3%
34%
25%
26%
21%
18%
16%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
99%
2,858
606
1,705
1,014
1,326
67%
63%
78%
74%
69%
5%
12%
4%
5%
9%
28%
25%
18%
20%
22%
100%
100%
100%
99%
100%
2,408
4,943
67%
72%
6%
6%
27%
22%
100%
100%
3,361
774
470
1,788
485
450
288
74%
67%
61%
73%
67%
63%
60%
5%
5%
6%
8%
4%
9%
13%
21%
27%
32%
18%
30%
28%
26%
100%
99%
99%
99%
101%
100%
99%
Q89. Is it safe or dangerous to walk in your neighborhood or does it depend?
Base: All respondents
1
Some Ns may not add to 7,509 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; hence, the percentages may add to more than 100 percent
(see page 4)
4
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
5
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
3
133
Respondents who felt their neighborhood was dangerous to walk in were asked what made them feel that
way. Almost one-quarter reported crime as the reason. About half as many felt it was dangerous to walk
in their neighborhood because of a lack of sidewalks, speeding traffic, dangerous people on the streets, or
traffic congestion.
Figure 10.11
Five Most Frequently Reported Reasons It Is Dangerous to Walk in
Neighborhood
25%
22%
20%
15%
13%
12%
11%
10%
10%
5%
0%
Crime
No/few sidewalks/
shoulders on side
of roadway
Fast moving/
Speeding traffic
Unruly/dangerous/
not trustworthy
people on streets
Traffic/
Congestion
Q90. Why do you feel it’s dangerous to walk in your neighborhood?
Base: Respondents who indicated that it is dangerous to walk in their neighborhood and gave a reason
Unweighted N=1,999
134
Chapter 11
Pedestrian Results by NHTSA Region
This chapter provides an overview of results by NHTSA region (see Table 11.1a).
Table 11.1
Last Time Walked Outside
Total
Respondents
Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Unweighted
N
Within
the
Past
week
Within
the
Past
month
Within
the
Past
year
1-2
Years
ago
3-5
Years
ago
More
Than 5
Years
ago
Never
Can’t
Walk/
Disabled
Total1
7,509
69%
11%
7%
3%
2%
5%
1%
1%
99%
403
1,170
829
1,017
1,277
790
406
299
915
403
76%
74%
66%
64%
69%
64%
66%
78%
74%
70%
9%
10%
13%
14%
11%
11%
13%
9%
10%
9%
6%
5%
7%
6%
7%
8%
7%
6%
7%
8%
3%
2%
3%
3%
4%
4%
4%
2%
3%
4%
3%
1%
2%
3%
1%
2%
1%
2%
2%
1%
3%
5%
7%
6%
5%
8%
7%
1%
3%
5%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
*
*
1%
1%
*
1%
1%
*
1%
102%
98%
99%
98%
99%
98%
100%
100%
100%
99%
Q51. When was the last time you walked, jogged, or ran outside for 5 minutes or more?
Base: All Respondents
* Less than 0.5%
1
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
Table 11.1a. NHTSA Regions and States
Region
States
Region 1
CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
Region 2
NJ, NY, PA
Region 3
DE, DC, KY, MD, NC, VA, WV
Region 4
AL, GA, FL, SC, TN
Region 5
IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
Region 6
LA, MS, NM, OK, TX
Region 7
AR, IA, KS, MO, NE
Region 8
CO, NV, ND, SD, WY, UT
Region 9
AZ, CA, HI
Region 10
AK, ID, MT, OR, WA
135
Figure 11.1
Walked Outside at Least Once in the Past Month
100%
80%
81%
84%
84%
80%
78%
81%
88%
75%
79%
84%
79%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Total
1
2
3
4
5
6
n=7,509 n=403 n=1,170 n=829 n=1,017 n=1,277 n=790
7
n=406
8
n=299
9
n=915
10
n=403
NHTSA Region
Q51. When was the last time you walked, jogged, or ran outside for 5 minutes or more?
Base: All Respondents
Unweighted N=See Chart
136
Table 11.2
Walking Frequency Compared to Last Year
Total
Respondents
Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Unweighted
N
More Often
Same Amount
Less Often
Total1
6,542
29%
52%
19%
100%
366
1,040
719
858
1,105
652
343
275
831
353
31%
28%
27%
30%
29%
32%
26%
33%
28%
27%
51%
54%
55%
51%
53%
45%
51%
49%
54%
55%
18%
18%
18%
19%
18%
22%
22%
18%
18%
18%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
99%
99%
100%
100%
100%
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 within the past year
1
Some totals may not add to 100 percent due to Don’t Know/Refused responses or may exceed 100 percent due to rounding
137
Figure 11.2
Sidewalks Available at Least Along Some Streets in Neighborhood
100%
80%
75%
68%
60%
80%
68%
65%
58%
58%
66%
86%
69%
57%
40%
20%
0%
Total
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
10
3
9
n=7,509 n=403 n=1,170 n=829 n=1,017 n=1,277 n=790 n=406 n=299 n=915 n=403
NHTSA Region
Q74. Are there sidewalks in your neighborhood…?
Base: All Respondents
Unweighted N=See Chart
138
Figure 11.3
Used an Electronic Device For Nearly All
Walking Trips
50%
40%
30%
22%
20%
25%
20%
24%
18%
26%
24%
20%
20%
4
5
6
n=858 n=1,105 n=652
7
n=343
21%
18%
10%
0%
Total
1
2
3
n=6,542 n=366 n=1,040 n=719
8
n=275
9
n=831
10
n=353
NHTSA Region
Q71. During the past year, how often did you use an electronic device like a cell phone or MP3 player
while you were walking outside?
Base: Walked within the past year
Unweighted N=See Chart
139
Figure 11.4
Injured While Walking
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
3%
3%
3%
3%
3%
2%
3%
3%
3%
2%
1%
Total
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
n=6,771 n=376 n=1,069 n=746 n=897 n=1,144 n=684 n=359 n=281 n=854 n=361
NHTSA Region
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 past two years
Unweighted N=See Chart
140
Figure 11.5
Very or Somewhat Satisfied With How Community is
Designed for Walking
100%
80%
81%
71%
70%
72%
68%
67%
72%
63%
69%
78%
74%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Total
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
n=7,456 n=400 n=1,164 n=827 n=1,009 n=1,263 n=784 n=404 n=296 n=911 n=398
NHTSA Region
Q81. How satisfied are you with how 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=See Chart
141
Chapter 12
Ability to Travel Within the Community Among Those with
Disabilities, Health Impairments, or Conditions That Limit
Walking
When directly asked, close to one in five respondents reported having a disability, health impairment, or
condition that limits the walking they can do. Table 12.1 breaks out this information by demographic
group. Respondents who were older, had fewer formal years of schooling, had lower household income,
and had no children in their household were all more likely to report having a disability. These
differences were all found to be statistically significant.
Table 12.1
Percent with Disability/Health Impairment/Condition That Limits Walking
By Demographic Characteristics
7,509
Have a Disability, Health
Impairment or Condition Limiting
Walking
19%
3,351
4,158
16%
21%
795
1,022
1,154
1,403
1,430
1,666
5%
7%
14%
19%
28%
39%
830
5,759
224
276
52
22%
19%
3%
26%
17%
Unweighted N1
Total Respondents
Gender
Male
Female
Age
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 or older
Race (Multiple Responses2)
Black or African American
White
Asian
Native American/Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Q111. Do you currently have any disability, health impairment, or condition that limits the amount of walking you can do?
Base: All Respondents
1
Some Ns may not add to 7,509 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; (see page 4)
3
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
4
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
142
Table 12.1
Percent with Disability/Health Impairment/Condition That Limits Walking
By Demographic Characteristics (Continued)
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Education
Did not Graduate High School/GED
High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Graduate Degree
Household Income
Less than $15,000
$15,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or more
Urbanicity3
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Cluster 5
Children Under 16 in Household
Yes
No
Employment Status
(Multiple Response2)
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed
Retired
Going to school
Homemaker
Disabled4
Unweighted N
Have a Disability, Health
Impairment, or Condition
Limiting Walking
785
6,637
13%
20%
685
1,829
1,257
803
1,729
1,153
28%
22%
17%
18%
12%
10%
944
1,110
1,202
1,182
824
1,349
29%
22%
20%
13%
11%
9%
2,858
606
1,705
1,014
1,326
16%
26%
17%
18%
22%
2,408
4,943
13%
22%
3,361
774
470
1,788
485
450
288
8%
11%
16%
40%
5%
23%
75%
Q111. Do you currently have any disability, health impairment, or condition that limits the amount of walking you can do?
Base: All Respondents
1
Some Ns may not add to 7,509 due to Don’t Know or Refused responses
For Multiple Response questions, respondents were allowed to select more than one category; (see page 4)
3
For descriptions of each cluster and more information on how the clusters were calculated, see page 3
4
Respondents voluntarily reported being disabled when asked about employment. The type of disability was not recorded.
2
143
Respondents who reported having a disability, health impairment, or a condition that limits their amount
of walking were asked if they used any special equipment to help them walk, or if they used a wheelchair
or a motorized chair. Thirty percent used one of these forms of assistance.
Figure 12.1
Use of Special Equipment to Walk, Wheelchair, or Motorized Chair
100%
80%
70%
60%
40%
20%
0%
21%
Special equipment
5%
4%
Wheel chair
Motorized chair
None
Q112. Do you use special equipment to help you walk, or do you use a wheelchair, or do you use a
motorized chair?
Base: Indicated having a disability, health impairment, or condition limiting walking.
Unweighted N=1,481
144
All respondents were asked how easy or difficult it is for them to engage in local travel. Overall, nearly 7
in 10 respondents reported that traveling to places in their community was very easy. However only 49
percent of those who reported physical limitations on walking said it was very easy for them compared to
72 percent of all other respondents.
Figure 12.2
Ease of Travel Within the Community
By Respondents With a Disability/Health Impairment
Very easy
Somewhat easy
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
80%
70%
72%
67%
60%
49%
50%
40%
30%
28%
23%
22%
20%
10%
13%
6%
7%
2%
%
Total
n=7,509
Respondents with a
disability/
health impairment
n=1,481
4%
1%
Other respondents
n=6,028
Q113. In general, how easy or difficult is it for you to travel to the places in your community where you
want to go? Do not include out of town travel. Would you say it is?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=See Chart
145
In all urbanicity clusters (see page 3), it was more difficult (p<.001 within each cluster) for respondents
with a disability, health impairment, or condition limiting walking to get where they wanted to go
compared to respondents who didn’t. The smallest difference was in Cluster 3, where there was an eleven
percentage point difference. The largest difference was found in Cluster 1, where there was a twenty-one
point difference.
Figure 12.3
Very or Somewhat Easy To Travel within Community
By Urbanicity
Respondents who said they have a disability/health impairment
Respondents who did not say they have a disability/health impairment
100%
83%
80%
73%
95%
94%
94%
94%
81%
74%
94%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Cluster 1
n=2,858
Cluster 2
n=606
Cluster 3
n=1,705
Cluster 4
n=1,014
Cluster 5
n=1,326
Q113. In general, how easy or difficult is it for you to travel to the places in your community where you
want to go?
Base: All Respondents
Unweighted N=See Chart
146
Respondents who indicated it was difficult to travel in their community were asked where it is more
difficult to travel from. Figure 12.4 shows only responses given by those with a disability, health
impairment, or condition limiting their walking. About one-third said “home” and one-quarter said “all
places.”
Figure 12.4
Five Most Frequently Reported Places From Which It is Difficult to Travel
By Respondents With a Disability/Health Impairment/Condition Limiting
Walking
50%
40%
34%
30%
25%
20%
11%
10%
9%
5%
0%
Home
Place doen't
matter, all the
same
Doctor's
office
Business
area
Downtown
Q114. Where in your community do you find it more difficult to travel from?
Base: Indicated it is at least somewhat difficult to travel in community and reported having a disability,
health impairment, or condition limiting walking
Unweighted N=284
147
Respondents who said it is difficult to travel to the places they want to go were asked the reasons why.
The responses in Figure 12.5 are again only for respondents with a disability, health impairment, or
condition that limits their walking. Three in 10 said their disability was the cause for difficulty traveling
in their community. Nearly one-fifth cited lack of access to a vehicle as the reason for difficulty.
.
Figure 12.5
Top 5 Reasons for Difficulty Traveling to Places
By Respondents With a Disability/Health Impairment/Condition Limiting
Walking
50%
40%
30%
31%
18%
20%
9%
10%
0%
Disability/
other health
impairment
Don't
have access
to a vehicle
Traffic/
congestion
8%
7%
No/Few public
transportation
options
Sidewalks are
inadequate/
poor condition
Q115. What are the reasons it is difficult for you to travel to the places in your community where you
want to go?
Base: Indicated it is at least somewhat difficult to travel in community and reported having a disability,
health impairment, or condition limiting walking
Unweighted N=284
148
Part III
Comparison of 2002 and 2012 Surveys
149
Chapter 13
Comparison of 2002 and 2012 Surveys
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 13.1 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 13.1
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 bicycle in the past year
150
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 13.2 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 13.2
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 within 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 within the past 30 days*
Unweighted N=1,551
* Rebased from: Rode a bicycle in the past year
151
All respondents in 2002 and 2012 were asked if bike paths and bike lanes were available. In 2002,
bicyclists were asked if they were available close to their home, where they rode their bicycle, or where
they would ride their bicycle. However, in 2012, respondents were asked only if bike paths or lanes were
available within a quarter mile of where they live. Four in 10 of them reported having bicycle lanes
available near where they live. One-third of 2002 respondents indicated having bicycle lanes available
close to their home or where they (would) ride. In 2002, 50 percent of respondents reported having
bicycle paths in the area they live or where they (would) ride. Forty-six percent reported having bicycle
paths close to their home in 2012.
Figure 13.3
Bicycle Paths/Lanes Available Near Residence (% Yes)
100%
2002
2012
80%
60%
50%
46%
39%
40%
32%
20%
0%
Bike Paths
Bike Lanes
2002: Q42. Are bike paths available in the area where you live/in the area where you would ride/in the
areas where you ride?
2002: Q44. Are bike lanes available in the area where you live/in the area where you would ride/in the
areas where you ride?
Base: Have bicycle available on regular basis and/or ride at least once during the summer
Unweighted N=9,540
2012 Q31. Are bike paths available within a quarter mile of where you live?
2012 Q34. Are bike lanes available within a quarter mile of where you live?
Base: All respondents
Unweighted N=7,509
152
In 2002, respondents who rode their bicycle in the past 30 days were asked whether or not they sustained
an injury while biking in the past two years that required medical attention. Four percent had sustained
such an injury. In 2012, the same question was asked of those who had ridden their bicycle within the
past two years. For comparison purposes, the analysis shown in Figure 13.4 has been limited only to
those who rode their bicycle in the past 30 days. Five percent reported in 2012 that they had suffered an
injury requiring medical attention while riding their bicycle.
Figure 13.4
Injured in Past 2 Years While Riding a Bicycle
20%
2002
2012
15%
10%
5%
5%
4%
0%
2002 Q46c. 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 30 days
Unweighted N=2,525
2012 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 30 days*
Unweighted N=1,551
*Rebased from: Rode a bicycle in the past 2 years
153
Figure 13.5 has again rebased the 2012 data to match the 30-day base in 2002. In 2002, about one-half of
the respondents reported they never wore a helmet, or did not have a helmet available for their use. In
2012, just over two-fifths of respondents reported they never wore a helmet while riding their bicycle.
This is accompanied by a 7-percentage-point increase from 2002 to 2012 in the proportion of those who
reported they wear their helmet for all, or nearly all, of the rides they take.
Figure 13.5
Helmet Usage
100%
2002
2012
80%
60%
51%
42%
37%
40%
30%
20%
5%
0%
All or nearly all
rides
5%
Most rides
7%
7%
Some rides
7%
8%
Not very many
rides
Never
2002 Q47. When riding a bike, do you wear a helmet for all of your rides, nearly all of your rides, most
of your rides, some of your rides, not very many of your rides, never, or you don’t have access to a
helmet?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past 30 days
Unweighted N=2,525
2012 Q41. When riding a bike, do you wear a helmet for all of your rides, nearly all of your rides, most
of your rides, some of your rides, not very many of your rides, or never?
Base: Rode a bicycle within the past 30 days*
Unweighted N=1,551
*Rebased from: Rode a bicycle in the past year
154
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 13.6
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 in the past year
155
15%
Never
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 13.7
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 within 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 within the past 30 days
Unweighted N=5,966
*Rebased from: Walked in the past year
156
In 2002, respondents who walked in the past 30 days were asked whether or not they sustained an injury
in the past two years while walking which required medical attention. Two percent had sustained such an
injury. In 2012, the same question was asked of those who had walked within the past two years. For
comparison purposes the analysis shown in Figure 13.8 has been limited only to those who walked in the
past 30 days. Three percent reported they had suffered an injury requiring medical attention while
walking in the past two years.
Figure 13.8
Injured in Past 2 Years While Walking
20%
2002
2012
15%
10%
5%
3%
2%
0%
2002 Q96. 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 30 days
Unweighted N=7,585
2012 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 30 days*
*Rebased from: Walked in the past 2 years
Unweighted N=5,966
157
DOT HS 811 841 B
October 2013
10002b-092613-v1a
| File Type | application/pdf |
| Author | Paul Schroeder |
| File Modified | 2013-10-01 |
| File Created | 2013-09-26 |