Perceptions of cycling safety in Marburg are shaped by location-based factors

Abstract:

Transportation is a fundamental human activity. Cycling, in particular, offers the potential to enhance community health, reduce carbon emissions, and significantly lower transportation costs. However, suitable cycling infrastructure is critical for fostering widespread ridership. Without it, safety concerns often present a major barrier. Understanding cyclists’ perceptions of safety and the built environment is essential for addressing these barriers and encouraging more people to cycle.

This poster presents findings from a study on the spatial perceptions of cycling safety in Marburg, Germany. A web-based survey of cyclists identified two major clusters of unsafe areas in the city. These locations were primarily deemed unsafe due to lacking or poor cycling infrastructure and the potential for conflicts with motor vehicles. The study further explored how safety perceptions influence riding behavior across genders.

Results show that both women and men exhibit comparable levels of confidence in their cycling abilities. However, safety concerns play a more significant role in determining where women choose to ride compared to men. This indicates that creating safer cycling environments could have a particularly positive impact on women’s participation in cycling.

The insights gained from this study can be used to pinpoint specific areas in Marburg that require infrastructure improvements. Beyond local applications, the results may also provide urban planners with useful information for designing safer, more equitable transportation systems in other cities, helping to remove barriers to cycling and promote healthier, more sustainable urban mobility.

Keywords: transportation, safety, cycling, bicycle, perceptions of safety, Germany

Authors: