Swapping the lycra for the suit: Determinants of cycling for transport among leisure cyclists in Ireland

The main purpose of this study was to investigate levels of cycling for transport among regular cyclists in Ireland and, second, to describe the factors that influence their decision to cycle or not cycle for transport. Ireland's National cycle policy framework 2009-2020 aims to get 10% of all trips to work by bicycle by 2020. There has been very little research in Ireland into what encourages and discourages cycling for transport, particularly cycling for transport among those who already cycle for leisure and fitness and may have more positive attitudes to cycling in general and to cycling for transport. A web-based, self-report survey of participants in a non-competitive cycling event collected information on demographics, usual travel mode, stage of change for cycling for transport and determinants of cycling for transport. The majority cycled for transport either regularly or sometimes. The most popular factors that influenced the decision to cycle for transport were the incentives of cheaper cost (regarding fuel and parking charges), quicker, more reliable journey times and greater health, fitness and well-being. While the biggest disincentives to cycling for transport were the weather and practical concerns (such as dropping children to school and distance), key factors that also discouraged cycling for transport were poor road conditions (surface and width), poor driver behaviour and road safety and traffic concerns.