2012 National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior: Volume 2: Findings Report
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Summary
This report presents the findings of the 2012 National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior (NSBPAB), conducted for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The study aims to understand the attitudes, self-reported behaviors, and safety perceptions of bicyclists and pedestrians to inform safety programs and reduce injuries and fatalities. This specific volume details bicyclist behavior, comparing current trends to a 2002 baseline and assessing factors such as frequency of riding, trip characteristics, and safety concerns. The methodology involved a national representative sample of 7,509 individuals aged 16 and older, interviewed between July and November 2012. To ensure accurate representation, the survey utilized an overlapping dual-frame design combining landline and cell-phone-only households, with an oversample of younger adults (ages 16–39). Data were weighted to reflect the national population, and statistical significance was tested using the Rao-Scott Chi-Square test. The survey assessed bicycling frequency, trip origins and destinations, use of electronic devices, knowledge of laws, and perceptions of safety. Key findings indicate that while a plurality of respondents had not ridden a bicycle in the past five years, slightly more than one-third had ridden within the past year. Among those who rode in the past year, 51% rode at least once a week during summer months. Most recent trips originated from home (86%) and ended at home (57%), with recreation (33%) and exercise (28%) being the primary purposes. Regarding safety, 12% of recent riders reported feeling threatened for their personal safety on their last ride. Motorists were the most frequently cited cause of this threat (83%), specifically due to driving too close (39%) or too fast (24%). Additionally, 46% of past-year riders reported doing none of their bicycling in the dark, though among those who did ride in low-light conditions, 72% took steps to increase visibility. Demographic variations showed that Hispanic respondents and those aged 25–34 reported higher rates of feeling threatened while riding. The significance of this report lies in its provision of comprehensive, national-level data on bicyclist behavior and safety perceptions, serving as a critical resource for NHTSA’s mission to reduce traffic-related injuries. By identifying specific risk factors, such as interactions with motorists and low-light visibility, the findings support the design of targeted educational and enforcement programs. The comparison with 2002 data allows for the assessment of long-term trends in bicycling habits and attitudes, highlighting areas where behavioral changes or infrastructure improvements may be necessary to enhance safety for vulnerable road users.
Key finding
Twelve percent of bicyclists who rode within the past month felt threatened for their personal safety during their most recent ride, with motorists driving too close or too fast being the most frequently cited causes.
Methodology
survey
Sample size: 7509
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- Empirical Findings: observational prevalence