Cycling Towards Sustainability: Evaluating the Impact of Bike Rack Infrastructure on Student Transportation Choices at Dalhousie University

Abstract

Student commuting habits have impacts on Dalhousie’s community and environment. Cycling infrastructure significantly impacts commuting choices and transportation methods throughout the city of Halifax and HRM as a whole, therefore understanding methods of improvements is important to sustain transportation networks throughout the city. This study delves into how improvements in bike rack infrastructure can influence Dalhousie University undergraduate students' travel choices. The purpose of the study is to identify student perceptions and motivations for improvements in bike rack infrastructure. Gauging both allows room for analysis and discussion on the influence on Dalhousie's undergraduate students. Mixed methods of data collection allowed a solid scope of information to be gained to produce final influences caused by improvements in bike rack infrastructure. Distribution of surveys through posters and word of mouth helped gather information from a bulk of quantitative questions. Data collection continued with a small portion of qualitative questions to gather further details. Qualitative research was carried out in form through in-person interviews with students throughout the Studley Campus. Results gathered from the mixed method research method carried into analysis where correlation calculations gave us final gauges on student perceptions. The study amplifies the importance of reliable, supportive, and protective cycling infrastructure on the Dalhousie Studley campus. Through data collection and analysis, we determine there is not a specific urgent need for bike rack coverings to be implemented throughout Studley Campus, however dividing data from those with bikes as opposed to without bikes was key in final thoughts and discussions for our research. Those with bikes provided useful information on likeliness to commute via bike due to implications such as weather and infrastructure. However, those without bikes provided good information on possible further research into student access to bikes and cycling amenities. Overall, information gathered holds implications for new improvements throughout the campus to support the biking culture and environment, with sustainable choices increasing amongst students.