Transit agencies increasingly interested in bicycle access to transit have turned to initiatives such as providing indoor bicycle parking at rail stations as well as allowing bicycles on buses and trains. In spite of thepopularity and apparent success of these programs, little is known regarding the environmental determinants of bicycling to rail stops. In this study we estimate regression models of built environment characteristics around rail stops to explain the demand for bicycle parking at Chicago Transit Authority rail stations from 2002-2006. Results indicate that increased demand for bicycle parking at rail stations is associated with higher passenger boardings at the station, higher supply of bicycle parking facilities, lower residential density, lower crime, and fewer bus options, even while controlling for neighborhood socio-demographics. Based on the findings,we recommend that practitioners use an assortment of policies and infrastructure improvements to expand the reach of the transit and cycling networks. In addition, planning professionals should take initiative to collectuseful data to prove the success of cycling to transit programs.
Abstract