A psychological perspective on factors important for bicycle use: a literature review

Since cycling can have positive effects on personal health as well as on the environment, it is essential to understand the determinants of bicycle use. In this literature review, psychological factors important for the use of bicycle are described. Moreover, different groups of cyclists, how the physical context influence cycling, and policies implemented in order to increase bicycle use are considered briefly. Studies have shown that personal health and finding the activity enjoyable are important motives for cycling, while bad weather, too long distances, and poor safety are important subjective barriers. Overall, psychological factors, such as, attitudes, perceived behavioural control, and the perception of the social environment, have been found to be important for bicycle use. However, the relation between cycling and sociodemografic factors is ambiguous. For example, gender has been shown to explain bicycle use in the USA but not in several European countries. Regarding the physical context, the majority of studies have shown that factors, such as, the weather, hilliness, and the infrastructure for bicyclists are related to bicycle use. However, more studies are needed in order to validate previous results and to study policies aiming to increase the level of cycling.