Transition to a cyclable city: policies and variables affecting cycling commuting

The growing interest in achieving the objectives of cycling policies has increased the need to know the key variables that influence the use of the bicycle for daily mobility. This paper makes a contribution in this research line by examining a varying nature of variables – objective and psychological - and their influence on cycling commuting in the context of a “climber cycling city”: Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain). Statistical differences of the variables were determined between cycling commuters and commuters by other modes. The objective variables analyzed allowed us to identify the cycling commuting profile in Vitoria-Gasteiz, but showed a small effect on cycling commuting. However, analyses on seven cycling psychological variables identified and defined, showed a higher influence, especially “Individual capacities” and “Non-commuting cycling habit”. Their results allowed recommending a wide et of policy initiatives. These policy recommendations were made considering that Vitoria-Gasteiz is a “city in transition” towards cycling: a high level of cycling share for the Spanish contex t and the safety issue not being the main barrier for cycling. However the psychological latent variable “Non-commuting cycling habit” indicates that normalization of the bicycle as a mode of transport needs more progress.