A Deakin University public health expert has called for better cycling infrastructure, traffic calming and more harmonious relationships between all road users to further increase cycling as a clean, green and healthy mode of transport.

Dr Jan Garrard, a senior lecturer with Deakin’s School of Health and Social Development, has completed the largest and most comprehensive study of the motivations, supports and constraints on cycling conducted in Australia. The results point to a need for a multi-pronged approach to support and encourage cycling.

“The study highlighted a range of issues that impact on the experiences of cyclists. Until these issues are properly addressed we won’t achieve the high cycling rates that other countries have achieved,” Dr Garrard said.

“The benefits of cycling are well documented and have been highlighted as a means of addressing health issues, climate change and traffic congestion. However, in Australia there are still a number of barriers to making cycling an appealing mode of transport for many people.”

The study was conducted by Dr Garrard and a research team from Deakin’s School of Health and Social Development with support from Sport and Recreation Victoria, the Cycling Promotion Fund and Bicycle Victoria. It included an on-line survey of 2403 men and women drawn from Bicycle Victoria’s database of members and contacts, as well as interviews and focus group discussions. It specifically looked at the gender differences in cycling behaviour and experiences.

“Female participation in cycling appears to be an indicator of a cycling friendly culture and environment,” Dr Garrard said.

“Cross-country comparisons of gender differences in cycling show that countries with high rates of cycling for transport and recreation have few gender differences in cycling, while countries such as Australia, which have relatively low rates of cycling, particularly for transport, have large gender differences in cycling,” she said.

Results of the study showed that 91 per cent of the study participants cycled for recreation, followed by 58 per cent for transport and 13 per cent for competition. Cycling for transport and recreation was the most common combination.

The majority of those who cycled for transport used roads with no bicycle facilities (83 per cent of females and 87 per cent of males) but only 6 per cent of females and 12 per cent of males actually preferred this option.

Road safety concerns and driver behaviour were more of an issue for women than men. Confidence in bike maintenance, cycling ability and cycling skills were also more of a concern for women.

The five most important constraints on cycling were lack of time, concerns about cycling in traffic, aggression from motorists, bad weather and inhaling car fumes, Dr Garrard said.