Masters Thesis

Analyzing interventions for increasing bicycle commuting

Bicycle commuting decreases traffic congestion, decreases dependency on oil consumption, and mitigates critical health conditions like heart disease and obesity. Yet, it is a challenge for non-profits, governmental and community organizations to increase bicycle commuting. I analyzed and reviewed several interventions (e.g. bike lanes, bike parking, education programs, traffic calming, etc.) presented in research for increasing bicycle commuting. I also employed an ethnographic research method from an emic account by conducting interviews of various commuter types in Eureka and Arcata CA and Corvallis and Portland OR. I identified the interventions they perceived as the most ineffective or effective for increasing bicycle commuting. I answered the question: What are bicycle commuters' perceptions of the interventions presented in research literature? Answering this question led me to develop a model for dealing with how to approach the implementation of interventions. This model may help determine which interventions are perceived by bicycle commuters as the most likely to increase bicycle commuting, and assist planners in developing appropriate interventions for their community.

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