Perceptions of potential cycling infrastructure in a low-cycling context: Evidence from a medium-sized urban area

A key factor for the use of bicycles for transportation is the presence of safe and pleasant infrastructure. While research mostly focuses on large cities, cycling infrastructure and use are still incipient in many small and medium-sized cities. Because of their spatial context and very low and demographically uneven cycle use, it is key to understand how the potential of growing infrastructure is perceived among the general population, as well as how these perceptions differ based on personal characteristics. We focus on Camp de Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain), a polycentric urban area where bicycles are used for transportation for less than 1% of trips, and where local authorities have shown renewed interest in expanding and improving the current infrastructure to increase bicycle usage. We examine the perception of residents in the study area regarding various bicycle infrastructure scenarios through a visual preference analysis using photo evaluation. The representative survey was conducted with over 1,000 individuals in 2022, which demonstrates a widespread willingness to cycle as a means of transportation. However, this desire remains unmet due to inadequate infrastructure and an urban configuration that generally discourages cycling. The results show a need for recognizable, safe and segregated cycling infrastructure, though with differing perceptions between gender and age groups and between levels of urban density. The understanding of diverse sociodemographic nuances in the preferences of non-cyclists emerges as vital for promoting cycling as a feasible and socially inclusive transportation choice, highlighting the importance of tailored infrastructure to encourage cycling and enhance accessibility.