Estimating recreational cyclists' preferences for bicycle routes - Evidence from Taiwan

This paper examines recreational cyclists' preferences for bicycle routes in Taiwan using the stated preference method. The multinomial logit model is employed to estimate the relative influences of facility attributes on bicycle route choice behaviour, while the latent class model is adopted in order to better understand the differences in preferences. Preference heterogeneity is characterized by cyclist recreation specialization level. Using data collected from 232 recreational cyclists in Taiwan, the results indicate that bicycle facility attributes, such as basic facilities and maintenance equipment, tourist information centers, and attractions exhibit significant effects on recreational cyclists' preferences. Cyclists with high levels of recreation specialization appear to be more likely to choose challenge and endurance routes than those with low recreational specialization. The implications of this work are presented and discussed.