Route choices of transport bicyclists: a comparison of actually used and shortest routes

Bicyclists in Graz, Austria, consistently choose longer but safer routes over the shortest possible paths, favoring bicycle lanes, pathways, flat and green areas while avoiding main roads and crossings. This preference for well-developed cycling infrastructure highlights its critical role in promoting bicycling as a mode of transportation in urban settings. The study employed GPS and GIS to objectively compare actual cyclist routes with the shortest possible alternatives, revealing significant differences in distance and environmental characteristics.

Krenn, P. J., Oja, P., & Titze, S. (2014). Route choices of transport bicyclists: a comparison of actually used and shortest routes. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-11-31