IS CYCLING A COMPLEMENT TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT?

Abstract

The URA proposed various plans aiming to provide increased mobility with enhanced transport connectivity (Master Plan, 2019). As Singapore is increasingly investing in bike infrastructures, it is crucial to examine the extent that transit accessibility can be increased through cycling as a form of first and last mile transport, and to ensure better bike network planning. This study focuses on cycling as a form of first and last mile transport, and the author wishes to investigate the extent of complementarity of cycling to public transport. This research comprise two hypotheses: 1. If residents live within 10 minutes of walking distance to transit nodes, they would choose to walk, instead of cycle. 2. Factors in the built environment would affect people’s decision in using shared bicycles, as a form of commute to transit nodes. Data was gathered on the respondents’ demographics and frequency of cycling to the MRT stations through physical and online surveys. The sample comprises 267 people of ages 19 to 60 years old. Subsequently, the qualitative nature of the survey resulted in the execution of a logistic regression. Key findings show bicycle ownership, convenience, the presence of dedicated and continuous cycling paths as potentially deciding factors which affect people’s decision to cycle. In conclusion, as there is a dearth of literature on this topic locally, the data collected from this research would allow authorities to improve future policy planning to enhance the cycling experience as an active mobility mode, and as a form of first and last mile transport.