Here’s a recent article about reaching out to lower-income riders, based on survey data collected in two lower-income neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.. The writers conclude that
Cycling just isn’t popular among the urban poor (yet). In 2012, respondents ranked cycling seventh out of nine transport modes, ahead of only taxis and bike sharing. Cycling barriers included poor road safety, poor or lacking infrastructure (e.g. bike lanes, racks, or storage), distance, and physical exertion. In 2013, respondents reported more than 30 barriers to cycling or walking. Physical safety (32.6 percent), distance (30 percent) and comfort/cold/sweating (25.4 percent) were the most common objections. Other barriers included the difficulty of carrying bulky items, work attire, not knowing how to ride, theft risk, poor health or disability, the slower speed, “laziness,” and a lack of desire. One respondent said, simply, “I just want a car.”
The article continues with some thoughtful approaches to addressing the different transportation priorities of people of different socioeconomic status as well. What do you think this could all mean for the sake of promoting bicycling and other forms of alternative transportation in places like College Station and Bryan?