The Maryland survey of cyclists

The Maryland survey of cyclists

In September and October of 2013, the Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) conducted an online survey of cyclists in the state of Maryland. The purpose of the survey was to collect data on cyclists’ travel behavior and perceptions in order to inform future planning and policy decisions related to bicycling in Maryland.

A total of 1,490 respondents completed the survey, which included questions on topics such as where and why people bike, what type of bicycle they ride, and what improvements they would like to see made to bicycling infrastructure.

The results of the survey show that cycling is a popular mode of transportation for many Marylanders, with nearly half of respondents reporting that they bike for transportation purposes at least some of the time. The most popular reasons for biking were exercise/health ( cited by 73% of respondents) and enjoyment (cited by 72% of respondents).

Bicycling infrastructure was identified as a major concern by survey respondents, with lack of dedicated bike lanes being the most frequently cited issue. Other concerns included lack of signage/wayfinding information for cyclists and hazardous road conditions.

Overall, the results of the survey indicate that there is a strong desire among Maryland cyclists for improved bicycling infrastructure. With continued growth in popularity of cycling as a mode of transportation, it is essential that policy makers and planners take these findings into account when making decisions about investment in bicycling infrastructure.

Summary of Results

The Maryland survey of cyclists found that the majority of respondents felt that cycling in the state was safe. However, respondents also felt that there were some areas where improvements could be made. The most common suggestions for improvement related to infrastructure, such as adding more bike lanes and better signage. Other suggestions included increasing enforcement of existing laws, providing more education to both cyclists and motorists, and increasing funding for cycling initiatives.

Common Cycling Behaviors of Maryland Cyclists

The Maryland survey of cyclists revealed some common behaviors among cyclists in the state. The most common behavior was riding for recreation, followed by commuting and exercise. Other common behaviors included racing and touring.

The Impact of the Maryland Bicycle Survey on Local Communities

In May of 2019, the Maryland Bicycle Survey was conducted in order to better understand the needs of cyclists in the state and how to improve infrastructure to better accommodate them. The survey asked questions about where people ride, why they ride, what improvements they would like to see, and what barriers they face when riding. Over 2,000 people responded to the survey, making it one of the largest surveys of its kind in the country.

The results of the survey showed that there is a strong desire for more dedicated bike lanes and trails in Maryland. Cyclists also expressed a need for improved signage and lighting on existing roads and trails. In addition, respondents indicated a desire for more educational resources on cycling safety and etiquette.

The impact of the survey has been felt throughout Maryland communities, with many localities taking steps to address the needs of cyclists. For example, Montgomery County has increased its investment in cycling infrastructure and programming, while Baltimore City has launched a public education campaign on cycling safety. As more communities across Maryland begin to take action based on the findings of the survey, it is clear that the Maryland Bicycle Survey is having a positive impact on local communities.

Potential Benefits for Local Residents

The Maryland Department of Transportation conducted a survey in 2019 to ask cyclists about their riding habits and preferences. The results of the survey showed that most cyclists ride for recreation or exercise, and that they would like to see more cycling infrastructure in their communities.

The survey also found that cyclists are interested in using protected bike lanes, and that they would feel safer cycling if there were more dedicated space for bikes on the road. This is good news for local residents, as it means that cyclists are more likely to ride in their community if there are better facilities for them.

In addition, the survey found that cyclists are willing to pay for improvements to cycling infrastructure. This could mean new revenue for local governments who invest in making their communities more bicycle-friendly.

Overall, the survey showed that there is strong interest from cyclists in seeing better cycling infrastructure in their communities. This is good news for local residents, as it can lead to increased recreation and exercise opportunities, new revenue for local governments, and safer roads for everyone.

Recommendations for Promoting Safe Cycling in Maryland

According to the Maryland survey of cyclists, the most effective ways to promote safe cycling are:

Improve infrastructure and make it more bike-friendly:

This includes things like adding more bike lanes and making them wider, adding/improving bike signage, and making sure roads are well-maintained.

Educate both cyclists and motorists:

Cyclists need to be aware of the rules of the road, while motorists need to be more aware of cyclists and give them space on the road.

Increase enforcement of traffic laws:

This includes things like ticketing cyclists who break the law and cracking down on drivers who operate recklessly around cyclists.

Encourage protected bike lanes:

These are lanes that are physically separated from traffic, which makes them much safer for cyclists.

Promote cycling as a viable mode of transportation:

This means making it easier for people to cycle to work or school, for example by providing showers and changing facilities at workplaces/schools, or by allowing bikes on public transportation during peak hours.

Conclusion

It is clear that the survey results have provided valuable insights into the current state of cycling in Maryland. The feedback from cyclists on infrastructure, safety, and policy issues has been invaluable in helping to inform decisions going forward. Moreover, this survey was able to capture a wide range of opinions which will be essential for continuing to improve the cycling environment in Maryland. With more surveys like this one conducted regularly, we can continue to make sure that cyclists are heard and their needs are taken into account when making decisions about how best to support cycling in the State of Maryland.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *