The prime objective of the study was to determine the suitability of using the preference evaluation technique in evaluating the user benefits of bicycle facilities. The main advantage of the technique over the more usual attitude survey is that survey respondents are asked to trade-off different aspects of their journey and to select preferences as in reality. A total sample of 94 cyclists were interviewed. Cyclists were asked to select preferences from variations in the following aspects of their journey: journey time, traffic density on roads, travel environment, parking facilities, and cycle operating costs. The technique was applied to derive relative values between alternative journey improvements. The results of the analysis indicate that differences between relative values could be usefully employed to identify preferences both between and within specific groups of cyclists. The analysis has demonstrated that the preference evaluation technique is capable in principle of deriving absolute monetary values of cycle journey improvements. Absolute values by group of cyclist were derived and are presented. In general, the analysis shows that cyclists place a high value on reducing traffic density (and therefore reduced risk of accident) and a relatively low value on travel time savings. The preference evaluation technique is capable of being applied in the evaluation of most forms of modal and route choice situations. The technique could also be used to investigate priorities of public transport users.
Abstract