Employer travel plans, cycling and gender: Will travel plan measures improve the outlook for cycling to work in the UK?

Authors: Dickinson, J.E., Kingham, S., Copsey, S. and Pearlman Hougie, D.J.

Journal: Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment

Volume: 8

Issue: 1

Pages: 53-67

ISSN: 1361-9209

DOI: 10.1016/S1361-9209(02)00018-4

Abstract:

Cycling is a 'green' alternative to commuting by car yet it makes up only a small percentage of journeys in the UK. Here we examine the commuter habits of three companies in Hertfordshire, UK. These provide contrasting case studies allowing examination of travel behaviour in relation to gender and employer travel plans. Women are known to commute shorter distances, yet are less likely to cycle. A variety of cultural and trip characteristics can account for this yet more detailed analysis reveals that some generalisations do not apply. Organisational initiatives to increase cycle commuting were perceived more positively by men than women and this suggests provision of cycling facilities in travel plans will not be effective for organisations employing a large proportion of women. However, this hides a subgroup of women who have access to a cycle and live near enough to cycle who are more positive about cycle facilities. A variety of cultural and societal constraints on cycle use are considered. Measures to encourage cycling in employer travel plans must reject the gender balance in the organisation as well as recognised geographical and organisational factors. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: Scopus

Employer travel plans, cycling and gender: will travel plan measures improve the outlook for cycling to work in the UK?

Authors: Dickinson, J.E., Kingham, S., Copsey, S. and Pearlman-Hougie, D.J.

Journal: Transportation Research Part D: Transport and the Environment

Volume: 8

Pages: 53-67

ISSN: 1361-9209

DOI: 10.1016/S1361-9209(02)00018-4

Abstract:

Cycling is a ‘green’ alternative to commuting by car yet it makes up only a small percentage of journeys in the UK. Here we examine the commuter habits of three companies in Hertfordshire, UK. These provide contrasting case studies allowing examination of travel behaviour in relation to gender and employer travel plans. Women are known to commute shorter distances, yet are less likely to cycle. A variety of cultural and trip characteristics can account for this yet more detailed analysis reveals that some generalisations do not apply. Organisational initiatives to increase cycle commuting were perceived more positively by men than women and this suggests provision of cycling facilities in travel plans will not be effective for organisations employing a large proportion of women. However, this hides a subgroup of women who have access to a cycle and live near enough to cycle who are more positive about cycle facilities. A variety of cultural and societal constraints on cycle use are considered. Measures to encourage cycling in employer travel plans must reflect the gender balance in the organisation as well as recognised geographical and organisational factors.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VH8-47CY5CM-3&_user=1682380&_coverDate=01%2F31%2F2003&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000011378&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=1682380&md5=99174907381070b5f7bc4f47e2f3abb8

Source: Manual

Preferred by: Janet Dickinson