Profiling Sri Lankan cyclists using cluster analysis

Abstract

Cycling is recognized as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation. Cycling has been declining over the years in Sri Lanka. Understanding the cycling behaviours is important to encourage cycling. This study analyzes information regarding cyclists, which are purposes of cycling, frequency of cycling for the particular purpose and the approximate cycling distance per trip. The results obtained from the Two-Step Cluster method resulted in two clusters leading to two cyclists’ profiles. The largest cluster is shopping oriented, which consists of individuals using cycling on several days a week for shopping purposes and also recreation and getting to or from public transport stops purposes mostly. The smallest cluster consists of commuter cyclists who are daily cycling users for the purposes of getting to and from school/ university and work. The findings can be informed to transportation authorities in developing interventions and enhance cycling infrastructure, focusing the obtained cycling profiles to promote sustainable transportation systems in Sri Lanka.