Hamilton City Council
Hamilton City Cycling Survey
Summary Report
July 2014
TDG Ref: 12545
report140724.docx
hamilton
cycling
survey
summary
Hamilton City Council
Hamilton City Cycling Survey
Summary Report
Quality Assurance Statement
Prepared by:
Bridget Burdett
Senior Transportation Researcher
Reviewed by:
Anna Wilkins
Associate / Hamilton Branch Manager
Approved for Issue by:
Anna Wilkins
Associate / Hamilton Branch Manager
PO Box 1261, Hamilton 3240
New Zealand
P +64 7 839 5500
www.tdg.co.nz
12545 Hamilton Cycling Survey summary report140724.docx
Status:
Final report
Date:
24 July 2014
Hamilton City Council, Hamilton City Cycling Survey
Summary Report
Executive Summary
This report summarises a study of cyclists’ behaviour and preferences in Hamilton, New
Zealand. The study methods included an interview with a group of local cycling advocates, and
two online surveys; one for all Hamilton cyclists, and one specifically targeted towards children
aged under 18 years.
The purpose of the study was to collect data about cyclist behaviour and preferences, as a
starting point to inform the Hamilton City Cycling Strategy, and to prioritise investment.
Currently, there is very little information gathered across New Zealand as a whole about
cycling, particularly compared to the volume of information collected about driving. The study
was commissioned so that future decisions about cycling can be informed by some level of
evidence about actual cyclist behaviour in Hamilton.
The purpose of the interview was to gain insight into the nature of cycling activity in Hamilton
from those most experienced in cycling and in organising cycling-related events for others.
Findings from the interview were that even the most experienced cyclists prefer off-road,
separated cycle ways. The Hamilton central business district (CBD) and its bridges were
considered particularly difficult places to negotiate by cycle. As a whole, advocates would like
to see numbers of cyclists increase generally. This would support safer cycling because drivers
would learn to interact with cyclists on roads more frequently and safely.
The survey of all Hamilton cyclists showed that people have a variety of preferences and
behaviours. There were 672 responses to the survey over its three week distribution period.
Just over half (55%) of respondents were male, and the most common age was between 35
and 44 (30%).
The most popular reasons for cycling were ‘recreation / enjoyment’ (72% selected ‘major
factor’); ‘general exercise / fitness’ (71%) and ‘to get to work’ (56%). Cyclists’ preferences
varied according to different times of the day and depending on traffic and road factors. As
well as cycling on the road, most cyclists reported using footpaths, tracks, parks and off-road
cycle facilities such as shared paths at least some of the time. Risk related to interaction with
traffic is the main disincentive to cycling on the road for any particular trip segment. For this
reason, shared paths are overwhelmingly popular with Hamilton cyclists, because of the
removal of traffic-related anxiety.
The survey of child cyclists revealed that children who cycle do so because it is fun. Children
are most likely to ride their bikes on shared paths and off-road paths as destination-trips, and
on the footpaths around their home for recreation.
Overall, the study provided detailed information about where there is opportunity to
surmount barriers of perceived safety so that more people will cycle more often. The surveys
delivered valuable and otherwise uncaptured information about what routes cyclists choose,
and what infrastructure is likely to be most attractive and safe. Given that funding for cycle
infrastructure is limited, this data will help to ensure that smart investment choices can be
made based on local Hamilton evidence.
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Table of Contents
1.
Report Purpose and Methods ....................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Rationale for Research Methods ........................................................................................ 1
2.
Interview ....................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Interview Summary............................................................................................................. 3
3.
Hamilton Cycling Survey ............................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Demographics and Behaviour............................................................................................. 5
3.2 Types of Facilities Used for Cycling ..................................................................................... 7
3.3 Favourite and Least Favourite Roads ................................................................................. 8
3.4 Cycling on Footpaths and Shared Paths ........................................................................... 10
3.5 Contingency Analysis ........................................................................................................ 10
3.6 Comments about Cycling in Hamilton .............................................................................. 12
4.
Hamilton Kids Cycling Survey ...................................................................................................... 14
4.1 Demographics ................................................................................................................... 14
4.2 Favourite Places to Ride My Bike...................................................................................... 14
4.3 Reasons for Cycling ........................................................................................................... 15
4.4 Comments about Cycling in Hamilton .............................................................................. 15
5.
Discussion.................................................................................................................................... 16
5.1 Interpretation of Survey Findings for Hamilton ............................................................... 16
5.2 Key Opportunities for Hamilton ....................................................................................... 16
6.
Conclusion and Recommendations ............................................................................................ 18
Appendix A
HCC Cycling Survey
Appendix B
Hamilton Kids Cycling Survey
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1. Report Purpose and Methods
TDG was commissioned to design, distribute and analyse a web survey for cyclists in
Hamilton, called the Hamilton City Cycling Survey. The opportunity to commission a survey
was identified through the Regional Road Safety Steering Committee as a result of the
recent completion of the Rural Cycling Survey by TDG for Waikato Regional Council (WRC).
The WRC survey had a large number of responses (675) and findings were proving useful to
inform strategy and policy for Waikato, as well as providing a mechanism to link discussions
about cycling among Road Controlling Authorities in the Region.
The purpose of the Hamilton City Cycling Survey is to collect data about cyclist behaviour
and preferences, as a starting point for to inform the Hamilton City Cycling Strategy, and to
prioritise investment. The survey reveals valuable and otherwise uncaptured information
about what routes cyclists choose, and what infrastructure is likely to be most attractive
and safe. Given that funding for cycle infrastructure is limited, data can help ensure that
smart investment choices can be made based on local evidence.
The current study involved a group interview with key stakeholders and web surveys for
adult and child cyclists. This report summarises the interview and web survey processes
and presents analysis of their findings.
1.1 Rationale for Research Methods
Currently, there is very little information gathered across New Zealand as a whole about
cycling, particularly compared to the volume of information collected about driving. For
example, Hamilton City Council (HCC) produces an annual map showing Annual Average
Daily Traffic (AADT) volumes on all city streets, and annual travel time surveys are
undertaken in Hamilton to monitor congestion effects for car drivers. When changes are
proposed to road links or intersections, traffic count data is the natural starting point to
assess the relative benefits and costs of infrastructure changes. This is not typically the case
for cycling improvements. Consequently it is challenging to identify where the greatest
needs are and to quantify what the benefits of interventions are.
The extent of motorised traffic data collection provides for objective analyses of different
infrastructure options and allows different scenarios to be tested based on likely effects on
traffic efficiency and safety. Currently, planning and design for cycling (and walking) is not
informed by the same level of data collection. The Hamilton City Cycling Survey was
commissioned so that future decisions about cycling can be informed by some level of
evidence about actual cyclist behaviour in Hamilton.
The benefits of data collection for cycling were discussed in a presentation to Hamilton by
Roger Geller, in February 2012 as part of the ‘Mayoral Conversation’ series. Roger is the
cycle coordinator for the city of Portland, USA. His presentation highlighted that people’s
attitude to cycling can generally be described in one of four categories:

Strong and fearless: less than one percent of all people;

Enthused and confident: around 7% of all people;

Interested but concerned: up to 60% of all people; and

No-way, no-how: around 33% of all people.
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The most promising way to increase the volume of cyclists is to increase the number of
cycling trips undertaken by the ‘enthused and confident’ and ‘interested but concerned’
groups. These people ride bikes some of the time, and out of the four types of people, are
most likely to respond to marketing, education and infrastructure interventions. This point
was highlighted by one of the survey respondents, a female aged 18 – 24, who noted that
she currently cycles for less than thirty minutes per week:
“I would cycle much more frequently, and probably commute to work if it
was safer. If there were bike paths separate from traffic then I am sure
many more people would use them. Tracks along the river would be lovely.
We should take a look at some of the most biker friendly cities in the world
and adopt some of the ways they do things - there is no reason NZ couldn't
be safer and inviting for cyclists”
There is likely to be little benefit from surveying the ‘No-way, no-how’ group, because they
are unlikely or unable to be influenced by the types of interventions within HCC control
such as marketing, education or improved infrastructure[1]. By targeting existing cyclists,
the Hamilton City Cycling Survey is capturing a proportion of the estimated 67% of people
who ride a bike at least some of the time. It is intended that any interventions will
encourage these people to cycle more often, for longer trips.
[1]
See https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/237507
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2. Interview
A semi-structured interview with a group of three members of Cycle Action Waikato was
held on 1st July 2014. The purpose of the interview was to gain insight into the nature of
cycling activity in Hamilton from those most experienced in cycling and in organising
cycling-related events for others. Staff members from two cycle shops were contacted but
were unavailable for an interview due to time commitments.
2.1 Interview Summary
The interview was loosely structured and based on the following questions.
1. What is your background in cycling personally?
Each of the three interviewees had a minimum of two decades of personal cycling
experience, having cycled since childhood. The difference between experienced and less
experienced cyclists, and their different motivations and fears, was discussed. It was
generally agreed that the perspective of experienced cyclists is useful due to their extensive
experience across a wide range of roads and traffic situations in Hamilton.
2. What experience do you have in working with others who bike in Hamilton (group rides,
school, elite, races/events, clubs etc)?
The interviewees are all involved in various ways with others who cycle, and typically cycle
with friends for social reasons. The majority of these types of trips take place on off-road
shared paths, for example the river paths, or around Hamilton Lake.
3. Please describe a specific bike ride in Hamilton that you have enjoyed (origin, destination,
route, people, time of year, activity at either end)
The cyclists’ favourite places to ride are off-road, on shared paths, because of the removal
of any anxiety related to negotiating traffic. The interviewees are all commuter cyclists, so
typically share road space with traffic. Off-road cycling is more likely to be seen as relaxing,
and is therefore more of a ‘fun’ and social activity than is day to day cycling for transport
reasons.
Particularly enjoyable paths were the river paths, the path around Hamilton Lake, and the
shared path along Wairere Drive, from Pukete Road to Clyde Street. The grade-separated
intersections along Wairere Drive were particularly appreciated.
4. Please describe a specific bike riding experience in Hamilton that you did not enjoy (location,
reasons for not enjoying it)
There was considerable discussion about the bridges in Hamilton, given that (in the view of
the cyclists), none of them provide best-practice cycle facilities. The exception to this is
eastbound on Pukete Bridge (part of the Wairere Drive shared path discussed earlier). The
interviewees were not aware of the existence and purpose of the cyclist-activated warning
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sign on Whitiora Bridge; an interesting finding given that these most experienced cyclists
are more likely than most to be aware of cycling-related infrastructure.
There was also discussion about a perceived lack of cycling infrastructure in the Hamilton
CBD, and in particular along Anglesea Street, and Victoria Street north of Claudelands
Bridge.
5. Use of technology: whether there are websites for the group/organisation; if cyclists within
the group use mapping technology such as MapMyRide or similar
There may be potential to use a Hamilton-specific application to track cycling, so that the
routes cyclists actually use can be investigated. The interviewees suggested ‘Bikewise
month’ in February as a good opportunity for this kind of data collection.
6. Opportunities for Hamilton: Infrastructure, education, enforcement, promotion
There was discussion about the benefits of targeting specific organisations, such as the
University of Waikato and the Waikato District Health Board. These organisations attract
large numbers of staff, so there is potential to find out what barriers to cycling might be at
their campuses. The lack of secure cycle parking facilities at the University was mentioned.
It was suggested that Census information, and in particular ‘cycle to work’ data could be
used to prioritise cycling-related investment, starting with where people currently cycle to
attract more of these kinds of trips. Increasing cyclist numbers generally is seen as the longterm solution to ‘normalising’ cycling so that more people are more likely to consider it a
valid mode for transport and recreation.
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3. Hamilton Cycling Survey
Two web surveys were developed to provide detailed information about individual cyclists’
activity in Hamilton. The surveys were the Hamilton City Cycling survey (aimed at adult
cyclists) and the Hamilton Kids Cycling Survey (aimed at people aged under 18). This section
discusses the Hamilton City Cycling Survey. It explored what cyclists value, what trade-offs
they make in balancing cycling risks and rewards, what choices they make with regard to
routes, who they ride with, and the times of the day, week and year that they choose to
cycle in Hamilton.
The survey was drafted and refined in an iterative process with a sample of participants
who were themselves Hamilton cyclists. The published survey was live for three weeks,
from Tuesday 10th June until Tuesday 1st July 2014.
At its close, 673 people had completed the survey in whole or in part. This large sample
size means that in-depth analyses can be conducted. Examples of the potential for this data
are that road preferences can be analysed according to the type of bike cyclists use, their
age, gender, or years of experience; whether or not they cycle for commuting; or according
to their home location. The large sample size allows for statistically meaningful analysis
within these categories, meaning that findings can reasonably be assumed to be
representative of the preferences and behaviour of all Hamilton cyclists.
Summaries of all survey responses are included in Appendix A: HCC Cycling Survey Specific
findings are summarised below.
3.1 Demographics and Behaviour
3.1.1
Demographics of Hamilton Cyclists
There was a wide variety of age and experience demonstrated in the survey results. The
modal (most common) survey respondent was aged between 35 and 44. Almost two thirds
of respondents (65%) have been cycling for over ten years. Just over half of respondents
(55%) were male.
Respondents came from a variety of households, with at least 50 responses from each of
‘Person living alone’, ‘Couple’, ‘Adults sharing’, ‘Family with adult children’ and ‘Family with
children’.
Respondents came from all over Hamilton, with all six sectors (defined for the survey and
shown as Figure 1) represented by at least 50 respondents. The highest number of
responses was from East Hamilton (161 responses). There were 43 responses from people
who do not live in Hamilton.
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Figure 1: Hamilton City Cycling Survey, Question 4: Where do you live? Please refer to the map and
select which part of Hamilton you live lin.
3.1.2
Length and Duration of Cycling Activity per Week
The average length of time cycled per week was 143 minutes, or almost two and a half
hours. 17% of respondents cycle for up to thirty minutes per week, and 23% cycle for more
than four hours per week.
More experienced cyclists also cycle farther. 48% of cyclists with greater than three years
of experience cycle for over 100km per week, compared with only 19% of cyclists with
fewer than three years of experience. Males also cycle more than females; 55% of males
reported cycling for more than two hours per week, compared with 38% of females.
3.1.3
Reasons for Cycling
The most common reasons for cycling in Hamilton were ‘General fitness/exercise’ (74% of
respondents selected ‘major reason’) and ‘Recreation/enjoyment (75% ‘major reason’).
Cycling was also reported to be a popular mode of transport to get to places of recreation,
education or work. Reasons for cycling are summarised in Figure 2.
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Figure 2: Reasons for Cycling in Hamilton
3.2 Types of Facilities Used for Cycling
Most respondents reported cycling on roads most weeks (69%), with only 7% stating that
they ‘Never / Hardly ever’ cycle on roads. Many also stated that they cycle on shared paths
(45% ‘Most weeks’) and over 75% cycle on footpaths at least some of the time. The
distribution of responses for type of facility is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Types of Facilities Used for Cycling
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3.3 Favourite and Least Favourite Roads
Cyclists were asked to name a road they enjoy riding on (their ‘favourite road’) and a road
that they ride on but do not enjoy (their ‘least favourite road’). The purpose of these
questions was to build a list of roads that cyclists use, and to determine which road and
traffic features might correspond with these preferences. Responses to questions about
these roads were analysed to determine what features characterise favourite and least
favourite roads.
3.3.1
Reasons for Riding on Least Favourite Roads
The main reasons given for riding on a road that they didn’t enjoy were ‘Linkage: I need to
use this road to get to where I am going (65% of respondents) and ‘Convenience: this is the
most direct route’ (46%). 12% of respondents stated that they do not ride on any roads that
they do not enjoy. Specific reasons given for cycling on least favourite roads included:

“Roads I ride on are more about directness of route than facilities provided”

“it's the one road I have to use.”

“Will go the back way to avoid this road.”

“Sometimes use the route for a change, but ride on footpath for safety reasons”

“I tried to identify alternatives but they were even less favourable.”

“there is no safe and semi direct alternative”
3.3.2
Distinguishing Characteristics
The clearest differences between favourite and least favourite roads were in the traffic
volume, and cycle infrastructure present. As shown below, favourite roads were more likely
to carry less traffic (28% ‘light’ or ‘empty’ for favourite roads, compared with 2% ‘light’ or
‘empty’ for least favourite roads) (Figure 4). Favourite roads were more likely than least
favourite roads to have some form of marked shoulder (54% ‘Painted cycle lane’, ‘Marked
cycle lane’ of ‘Wide shoulder’ for favourite roads; 25% for least favourite roads) (Figure 5).
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Figure 4: Traffic Volume Comparison for Favourite and Least Favourite Roads
Figure 5: Shoulder Marking Comparison for Favourite and Least Favourite Roads
In terms of parking provision, favourite roads were more likely to have recessed parking
bays or unmarked on-street parking. Least favourite roads were more likely to have onstreet parallel parking or no on-street parking provision at all (presumably due to a narrow
or non-existent shoulder, or provision of a cycle lane).
3.3.3
Intersections
Of the 387 respondents who listed an intersection that they cycle through but do not enjoy,
127 listed one of the following intersections as their ‘least favourite:

Five Cross Roads roundabout (66 respondents);

Boundary Road / Heaphy Terrace roundabout (18);

Bridge Street / Grey Street traffic signals (13); and

Dinsdale roundabout (12).
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
Bridge Street / Victoria Street traffic signals (10)

Thomas Road / Horsham Downs Road roundabout (10)
Respondents were asked to state how they negotiate these intersections. Most choose to
ride through on the road (63%). Of those who use footpaths to get around and through the
intersection, approximately half walk, and half ride on footpaths to avoid negotiating the
intersection on the road.
3.4 Cycling on Footpaths and Shared Paths
Most respondents (89%) stated that they sometimes cycle on footpaths or shared paths.
The most common reasons given for this were ‘To get through an intersection more safely’
(88% ‘major’ or ‘minor’ reason) and because ‘There is not enough space on the road’ (86%
‘major’ or ‘minor’ reason). Responses are summarised in Figure 6.
Figure 6: Reasons for Cycling on Footpaths and Shared Paths
3.5 Contingency Analysis
Contingency tables can be used for surveys like this, to analyse responses according to
different survey questions. As an example, the table below shows response proportions
according to where respondents live in Hamilton, according to sections shown in Figure 1
above.
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Hamilton City Cycling Survey: Contingency Table
Major reason for cycling
All
Northwest
West
Southwest
Northeast
East
Southeast
Not
Hamilton
West of
river
East of river
Gender
Sample
size (n)
Aged over
44 years (%)
Exercise
Recreation
Commuting
to work
All
673
40%
71%
89%
56%
89%
Male
365
42%
68%
88%
62%
88%
Female
296
35%
74%
90%
49%
90%
All
51
39%
79%
95%
60%
95%
Male
30
37%
69%
100%
78%
100%
Female
21
43%
94%
88%
25%
88%
All
87
37%
65%
82%
42%
82%
Male
42
43%
61%
77%
37%
77%
Female
44
32%
70%
87%
47%
87%
All
89
31%
60%
87%
62%
87%
Male
51
31%
65%
83%
68%
83%
Female
36
33%
53%
92%
53%
92%
All
122
51%
82%
95%
48%
95%
Male
70
54%
78%
96%
52%
96%
Female
52
47%
86%
93%
42%
93%
All
161
34%
67%
91%
60%
91%
Male
85
41%
62%
89%
65%
89%
Female
74
27%
72%
92%
52%
92%
All
112
37%
74%
88%
60%
88%
Male
64
39%
75%
84%
66%
84%
Female
48
33%
74%
92%
50%
92%
All
43
41%
65%
70%
70%
70%
Male
21
38%
44%
79%
73%
79%
Female
19
42%
80%
50%
67%
50%
All
224
35%
66%
87%
54%
87%
Male
123
37%
64%
85%
61%
85%
Female
101
35%
69%
89%
46%
89%
All
393
40%
74%
91%
57%
91%
Male
219
44%
71%
90%
61%
90%
Female
174
35%
77%
92%
49%
92%
Table 1 Contingency Data based on Area in Hamilton
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Sometimes
cycle on
footpaths or
shared paths
(%)
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Data in Table 1 shows that though overall more males than females report cycling to work
as a ‘major’ reason for cycling, the proportion varied a lot according to different parts of
Hamilton. The proportion of female commuters (those who reported cycling to work as a
‘major’ reason) ranged between 25% for northwest Hamilton, to 53% for southwest
Hamilton. For males, the proportion varied from 37% in west Hamilton to 68% in southwest
Hamilton.
The contingency data also shows that those who completed the survey but do not live in
Hamilton are far more likely to cycle to work. This may be because the survey was directed
at those who cycle on Hamilton streets, and people who do so, but who do not live in
Hamilton, are perhaps less likely to cycle in Hamilton for recreation or other reasons; they
may live on the outskirts of the city and cycle relatively long distances to get to work, for
fitness and exercise.
3.6 Comments about Cycling in Hamilton
The last question invited respondents to enter any other comments about cycling in
Hamilton. The following themes emerged from the 269 open-field comments:


24 July 2014
There was general enthusiasm for cycling as an activity, and support for efforts to
promote safe cycling, e.g.:
-
“Thank you for your interest in cycling - and for support in understanding how
the HCC could enable more cycling around the city. I look forward to seeing
cycling opportunities grow and expand for all types of users. Your work is
appreciated!”
-
“Hamilton has the ability to be a great city for cycling both on and off road
through many gullies and riverside, With a few bits made safer I'm sure more
people will cycle, I know I will.”
-
“Hamilton is great for off road cycling but it could be so much better.”
-
“It's not too bad, but better would be great.”
-
“It's a pretty good city to cycle in overall, there are some snarly bits like the
5XR and the bridges, there are also some world class bits like the Wairere path
and the river track.”
-
“Thanks for doing this kind of survey at all and keep up the good work!”
Generally, respondents expressed concern about safety of cycling, stating that they
would cycle more if it were safer, e.g.:
-
“Need better visibility at intersections& slower traffic to allow space for bike to
safely ride.”
-
“Lots of people feel unsafe to even begin and it would be great to be able to
educate people to be safe - the cycle rode code, defensive cycling - this would
help motorists as well to have consistent behaviour from cyclists.”
-
“Essential we have dedicated cycle tracks around Hamilton that are physically
separate from the traffic.”
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-

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“The reason why I like Wairere Drive is because the cycle lane is seperate from
the traffic. The scariest near misses I have had with cars are when people in
cars are just either unaware that I am there .. ..or when cars don't realise what
it feels like to be that close to a moving car and so don't give you enough
space. This is really scary.”
There was very clear support for off-road shared paths, and in particular for the shared
path alongside Wairere Drive, e.g.:
-
“The cycle ways around Wairere Drive, Resolution Drive and along the river
are really, really cool! Unfortunately not really my commuting route!”
-
“The only reason I am biking so much again now is that I can use the Wairere
Dr cycleway, which provides a very safe and enjoyable ride.”
-
“The tracks - along the river, Te Awa, the wide cycle lanes and underpasses
that are being put in as part of the new roading - e.g. Wairere Drive (ring
road) are just brilliant. Those along the river in particular are Hamilton's wow
factor. They are where I take visitors to Hamilton - either for a ride - or a
walk.”
-
“I just love all they cycleways next to Wairere drive, I'm even happy letting my
teenage children ride on them unaccompanied (they are still not very road
smart), suddenly they can get from Hillcrest to Rototuna without me.”
-
“Keep doing the great job of providing shared walking/cycle trails like Wairere
drive, they are fantastic and the more we can be off the road the better.”
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4. Hamilton Kids Cycling Survey
The Hamilton Kids Cycling Survey was developed due to the low number of responses to
the original survey from people aged under 18 (16 out of 673 aged under 18). The kids
survey was shorter (16 questions compared with 33 for the original survey), and focused on
the reasons children cycle, where they cycle to, and when.
The survey was live for ten days, from Tuesday 24th June until Friday 4th July 2014. At its
close, 163 people had completed the Hamilton Kids Cycling Survey in whole or in part.
Summaries of all survey responses are included in Appendix B: Hamilton Kids Cycling
Survey. Specific findings are summarised below.
4.1 Demographics
Of the 163 responses, 126 were from children aged between 11 and 16 (inclusive). There
were 19 responses from children aged 10 years or less. Over three quarters (77%) of
respondents were male. Across all respondents, 81% were from homes where at least one
adult owned a bike.
The areas of East and Northeast Hamilton were over-represented in this survey (56% of
respondents in total coming from one of these areas. This may be a reflection of the
relatively short survey timeframe and its distribution methods. The link to the web survey
was emailed to a sample of primary and high schools around Hamilton, but it is not known
whether or not the link was actually published for any particular school.
4.2 Favourite Places to Ride My Bike
The most commonly reported favourite place for children to ride their bike was ‘footpath
near my house’, ‘down my street’, or ‘around the block’ (20 responses). Other specific
places noted in Hamilton were:

River paths (16 respondents);

Pukete mountain bike track (13 respondents);

Minogue Park BMX track (5);

Wairere Drive path (4);

Around the University of Waikato (2);

Hamilton Lake (2); and

Ashurst park bike track (2).
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Summary Report
4.3 Reasons for Cycling
The main reasons children gave for cycling were ‘Because it is fun’ (96% combined ‘Yes,
quite often’ or ‘Yes, sometimes’); ‘As part of an outing with family or friends’ (82% ‘Yes,
quite often’ or ‘Yes, sometimes’) and ‘To get to a park or playground’ (80% ‘Yes, quite
often’ or ‘Yes, sometimes’). Reasons for cycling are summarised in Figure 7.
Figure 7: Kids' Reasons for Cycling
4.4 Comments about Cycling in Hamilton
The last question invited respondents to enter any other comments about cycling in
Hamilton. Comments from children were diverse; a sample is included here:

“can we please have roads only for people on bikes, more of my friends would ride with
me but at the moment their parents don't let them”

“I think the council should make the river path less bumpy and fix the the lose tiles”

“Hamilton's cycle efforts have been good but some of the cycle paths on the road are a
bit skinny and dangerous with trucks and buses going past. The river path is great but
around some of the sharp corners their could be possibly some mirrors to see if you'll
crash into anyone like on the roads.But overall it is great for getting to and from school
along the river path. :)”

“Sometimes I ride on the footpath because the road is not wide enough e.g. Ruakura
road”

“We have stopped biking to soccer practice because it was too dangerous to cross the
road and I'm not allowed to go to the shops by myself because Mum says it is too
dangerous.”
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16
Summary Report
5. Discussion
5.1 Interpretation of Survey Findings for Hamilton
Cycling in urban areas is an activity undertaken by people with a wide range of abilities and
levels of confidence. This survey has shown that people have a variety of preferences and
behaviours. At different times of the day and depending on traffic and other factors, cyclists
may choose to cycle on footpaths, tracks and in parks; on off-road cycle facilities such as
shared paths; and on the road, either sharing lane space with traffic, or using a marked
cycle lane or shoulder.
Most cyclists vary their behaviour according to a balance of relative risk and reward in any
particular traffic situation, and according to the trip motivation. Even the most experienced
and confident cyclists such as those interviewed for this project adjust their preference
according to road and traffic situations. For example, cyclists may negotiate a roundabout
such as Five Cross Roads on the road when traffic is light, or may choose to cycle or walk on
adjacent footpaths when traffic is heavy. A cyclist might use grade-separated facilities such
as those provided at the intersection of Wairere Drive with Tramway Road when they are
cycling for recreation, but might choose to stay in the traffic lane if they are commuting and
are under more time pressure.
Despite these complexities, findings from this study can be used to inform decisions about
infrastructure that will result in more people making more cycling trips, more often. The
following key points have emerged from this project:

Risk related to interaction with traffic is the main disincentive to adults cycling on the
road for any particular trip segment;

Shared paths such as the Wairere Drive path and the River trails are overwhelmingly
popular with Hamilton cyclists, because of the removal of traffic-related anxiety;

Those who cycle for commuting use a varying mixture of on-road and off-road facilities,
depending on perceived risk and utility for any particular cycling trip;

Children who cycle do so because it is fun; and

Children are most likely to ride their bikes on shared paths and off-road paths as
destination-trips, and on the footpaths around their home for recreation.
These findings, and in particular the notion that perceived safety is a barrier to more onroad cycling trips, are not unique to this project. However, this study provides local
evidence that this is the case in Hamilton, and importantly, provides detailed information
about where there is opportunity to surmount barriers of perceived safety so that more
people will cycle more often.
5.2 Key Opportunities for Hamilton
Particular opportunities to promote more cycling relate to the popularity of Hamilton’s
shared paths; to the nature of cyclists as pedestrians, particularly with regard to road
crossings; and to the links between residential areas and trip destinations such as the
Central Business District (CBD), schools, the hospital and the University. These are discussed
below.
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17
Summary Report
5.2.1
Promotion of Cycling on Shared Paths
It was clear from the interview and from both web surveys that cyclists enjoy and gravitate
towards off-road facilities. In Hamilton, the most popular of these are the shared paths
along the Waikato River, and the shared path along Wairere Drive which now extends from
Pukete Road to Clyde Street.
The Wairere Drive facility in particular is worthy of promotion for a range of cycling trip
purposes, including family outings, and cycle commuting trips to link Hamilton’s northern
and southern suburbs. There is particular opportunity with the upcoming extension of
Wairere Drive through to Cobham Drive to promote cycling trips to Hamilton Gardens, as
well as between facilities near to the route such as the University of Waikato, the
AgResearch campus at Ruakura, Westfield Chartwell and The Base.
There is opportunity to promote cycling at these organisations for staff, students and
visitors, to build on the existing popularity of the shared paths. Cycle infrastructure such as
bike racks or bike sheds, and cycle commuter facilities such as showers and places to carry
out cycle maintenance (for example, tyre pumps and puncture repair kits) would support
more cycle trips, given that for many people, the barrier of interaction with traffic to cycle
to these places is largely removed.
There is also opportunity to promote the recreation opportunities presented by the shared
paths, including their links with Hamilton’s extensive network of gullies and parks. The
Wairere Drive shared path links with the Waikato River paths at Pukete Bridge, resulting in
several kilometres of off-road cycling opportunity. Public cycle days with maps of routes,
including scales, gradients and access to toilets and cafes, for example, could promote
these recreational opportunities to local residents and visitors alike.
5.2.2
The Nature of Cyclists as Pedestrians
The survey demonstrated that most cyclists use the footpath network at least some of the
time, based on relative perception of risk and utility for any particular trip segment. In
particular, child cyclists regularly use pedestrian crossing facilities such as refuge islands,
zebra crossings and signalised crossings as links in their cycling trips. This finding highlights
the importance of universally designed pedestrian crossing facilities as a tool to promote
safe and frequent cycling. It is important that the benefits to cyclists and to cycling are
made clear in decision-making processes related to the provision of these (ostensibly
pedestrian) facilities.
5.2.3
Links with Trip Destinations
In addition to the organisations with access close to the Wairere Drive shared path
discussed in Section 5.2.1 above, other organisations and business areas would benefit
from an integrated travel planning approach to attract more trips by cycling. In particular,
the Hamilton CBD and the Waikato Hospital attract large proportions of traffic each day.
Improving cycle access to and through these places would help to increase the numbers of
cyclists in Hamilton. Improvements to the routes that cyclists already use to access these
facilities (that is, the lists produced as outcomes from the Hamilton City Cycling Survey) is
considered the best place to start in attracting more people to make more trips by bicycle.
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18
Summary Report
6. Conclusion and Recommendations
The purpose of this research was to collect evidence about cyclist preferences and
behaviour in Hamilton, to inform strategy and to prioritise investment in cycling
infrastructure. The findings from the interview and web surveys have provided a detailed
picture about the diverse nature of cycling activity in Hamilton. In particular, the research
has provided evidence about which roads Hamilton cyclists choose to ride on and why,
what features they value, what they avoid or tolerate and what they seek out. The
combined approach of interviews with stakeholders and custom web surveys for adults and
children has proven to be a useful way to investigate cycling.
It is recommended that:

Existing, popular facilities such as the Waikato River paths and the Wairere Drive shared
path be promoted, both to organisations with nearby access to them and as
recreational cycling trip opportunities;

Strategies and decision-making related to provision of universally accessible walking
infrastructure be linked with cycling-related outcomes, so that the benefits for cycling
can be accounted for and valued;

HCC partner with large organisations and business areas to promote cycling-related
travel planning;

any Hamilton cycling policy and strategy include collection of cycle count data, so that
benefits from changed infrastructure can be demonstrated;

the Hamilton City Cycling Strategy make clear and integrated links with any walking
strategy, given that universally accessible walking infrastructure (in particular, road
crossings) is a key component in promotion of safe cycling trips for all people;

information about cyclist preferences and route choices be analysed in conjunction
with cycle crash data to determine any correlation between stated preferences and
revealed cycling crash risk;

particular links and routes highlighted as ‘favourite’ and ‘least favourite’ roads be
plotted so the actual Hamilton cycling network can be better understood, and provision
of safe and attractive cycling routes can be prioritised;

Hamilton findings be discussed with Waikato Regional Council, so that a consistent
region-wide approach to policy and planning can continue; and that

this report and its recommendations be shared among stakeholders involved in road
design and cycling education so that local issues and opportunities can be explored in
more depth.
In order to progress these recommendations it is important that funding for specific initiatives be
sought. Opportunities to promote the findings of this research (potentially in combination with
the Waikato Regional Council) to a wider, national audience ought to be considered so that
findings can benefit nationwide efforts to promote safe cycling.
Traffic Design Group Ltd
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Hamilton City Council, Hamilton City Cycling Survey
Summary Report
Appendix A
HCC Cycling Survey
24 July 2014
12545 Hamilton Cycling Survey summary report140724.docx
7/7/2014
Hamilton City Cycling
Survey
Monday, July 07, 2014
Powered by
673
Total Responses
Date Created: Monday, June 09, 2014
Complete Responses: 487
Powered by
1
7/7/2014
Q1: How old are you?
Answered: 665
Skipped: 8
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Q1: How old are you?
Answered: 665
Skipped: 8
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2
7/7/2014
Q2: What is your gender?
Answered: 661
Skipped: 12
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Q2: What is your gender?
Answered: 661
Skipped: 12
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3
7/7/2014
Q3: For how long have you been a cyclist?
Answered: 663
Skipped: 10
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Q3: For how long have you been a cyclist?
Answered: 663
Skipped: 10
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4
7/7/2014
Q4: Where do you live? Please refer to the map below and select which
part of Hamilton you live in.
Answered: 665
Skipped: 8
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Q4: Where do you live? Please refer to the map below and select which
part of Hamilton you live in.
Answered: 665
Skipped: 8
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5
7/7/2014
Q5: Please select the option that best describes your household.
Answered: 642
Skipped: 31
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Q5: Please select the option that best describes your household.
Answered: 642
Skipped: 31
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6
7/7/2014
Q6: For roughly how long does each person in your household cycle in
total in Hamilton, in a typical week?
Answered: 647
Skipped: 26
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Q7: Why do you cycle in Hamilton? Please rate each factor from the list below. This question
relates to you personally, and not to other people in your household.
Answered: 603
Skipped: 70
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7
7/7/2014
Q7: Why do you cycle in Hamilton? Please rate each factor from the list below. This question
relates to you personally, and not to other people in your household.
Answered: 603
Skipped: 70
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Q8: In a typical Summer month (October-March), what time of the week do you cycle in
Hamilton?
Answered: 601
Skipped: 72
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8
7/7/2014
Q8: In a typical Summer month (October-March), what time of the week do you cycle in
Hamilton?
Answered: 601
Skipped: 72
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Q9: In a typical Winter month (April - September), what time of the week
do you cycle in Hamilton?
Answered: 595
Skipped: 78
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9
7/7/2014
Q9: In a typical Winter month (April - September), what time of the week
do you cycle in Hamilton?
Answered: 595
Skipped: 78
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Q10: Which of the following do you ride your bike on? Please refer to the
pictures and select one answer per row.
Answered: 599
Skipped: 74
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10
7/7/2014
Q10: Which of the following do you ride your bike on? Please refer to the
pictures and select one answer per row.
Answered: 599
Skipped: 74
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Q11: The following questions relate to cycling on roads.
Later in the survey, there are questions about cycling on footpaths and shared paths.
Answered: 564
Skipped: 109
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11
7/7/2014
Q11: The following questions relate to cycling on roads.
Later in the survey, there are questions about cycling on footpaths and shared paths.
Answered: 564
Skipped: 109
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Q13: Please select the time of the week when you usually cycle on your
favourite road:
Answered: 465
Skipped: 208
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12
7/7/2014
Q13: Please select the time of the week when you usually cycle on your
favourite road:
Answered: 465
Skipped: 208
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Q14: What is the traffic volume on your favourite road, when you usually
ride on it?
Answered: 473
Skipped: 200
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13
7/7/2014
Q14: What is the traffic volume on your favourite road, when you usually
ride on it?
Answered: 473
Skipped: 200
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Q15: Using the examples below, please describe the shoulder of your
favourite road.
Answered: 474
Skipped: 199
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14
7/7/2014
Q15: Using the examples below, please describe the shoulder of your
favourite road.
Answered: 474
Skipped: 199
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Q16: Based on the images below, please select what type of car parking
is present on your favourite road.
Answered: 470
Skipped: 203
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15
7/7/2014
Q16: Based on the images below, please select what type of car parking
is present on your favourite road.
Answered: 470
Skipped: 203
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Q19: Why do you ride on your least favourite road? Please select as many
answers as you like.
Answered: 435
Skipped: 238
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16
7/7/2014
Q19: Why do you ride on your least favourite road? Please select as many
answers as you like.
Answered: 435
Skipped: 238
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Q20: Using the examples below, please describe the shoulder of your
least favourite road.
Answered: 438
Skipped: 235
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17
7/7/2014
Q20: Using the examples below, please describe the shoulder of your
least favourite road.
Answered: 438
Skipped: 235
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Q21: What is the traffic volume on your least favourite road, when you
usually ride on it?
Answered: 439
Skipped: 234
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18
7/7/2014
Q21: What is the traffic volume on your least favourite road, when you
usually ride on it?
Answered: 439
Skipped: 234
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Q22: Based on the images below, please select what type of car parking
is present on your least favourite road.
Answered: 431
Skipped: 242
Powered by
19
7/7/2014
Q22: Based on the images below, please select what type of car parking
is present on your least favourite road.
Answered: 431
Skipped: 242
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Q26: How do you usually get through this intersection when you are
cycling?
Answered: 399
Skipped: 274
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20
7/7/2014
Q26: How do you usually get through this intersection when you are
cycling?
Answered: 399
Skipped: 274
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Q27: These questions are about cycling on footpaths and shared paths.
Answered: 482
Skipped: 191
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21
7/7/2014
Q27: These questions are about cycling on footpaths and shared paths.
Answered: 482
Skipped: 191
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Q29: Do you use any footpaths or shared paths as shortcuts between
roads?
Answered: 408
Skipped: 265
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22
7/7/2014
Q29: Do you use any footpaths or shared paths as shortcuts between
roads?
Answered: 408
Skipped: 265
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Q30: Why do you cycle on footpaths? Please select one answer per row.
Answered: 371
Skipped: 302
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23
7/7/2014
Q30: Why do you cycle on footpaths? Please select one answer per row.
Answered: 371
Skipped: 302
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Q31: Are there any locations where you would like a shortcut between
roads for cycling on?
Answered: 329
Skipped: 344
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24
7/7/2014
Q31: Are there any locations where you would like a shortcut between
roads for cycling on?
Answered: 329
Skipped: 344
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Q32: Which of the following surfaces would you ride on? Please refer to
the pictures and select one answer per row.
Answered: 426
Skipped: 247
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25
7/7/2014
Q32: Which of the following surfaces would you ride on? Please refer to
the pictures and select one answer per row.
Answered: 426
Skipped: 247
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26
Hamilton City Council, Hamilton City Cycling Survey
Summary Report
Appendix B
Hamilton Kids Cycling Survey
24 July 2014
12545 Hamilton Cycling Survey summary report140724.docx
7/7/2014
Cycling Survey for Hamilton
children and teens
Monday, July 07, 2014
Powered by
163
Total Responses
Date Created: Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Complete Responses: 138
Powered by
1
7/7/2014
Q1: How old are you?
Answered: 163
Skipped: 0
Powered by
Q1: How old are you?
Answered: 163
Skipped: 0
Powered by
2
7/7/2014
Q2: Are you female or male?
Answered: 162
Skipped: 1
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Q2: Are you female or male?
Answered: 162
Skipped: 1
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3
7/7/2014
Q3: How old were you when you first rode a bike or trike by yourself?
Answered: 147
Skipped: 16
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Q3: How old were you when you first rode a bike or trike by yourself?
Answered: 147
Skipped: 16
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4
7/7/2014
Q4: Where do you live? Please refer to the map below and select which
part of Hamilton you live in.
Answered: 141
Skipped: 22
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Q4: Where do you live? Please refer to the map below and select which
part of Hamilton you live in.
Answered: 141
Skipped: 22
Powered by
5
7/7/2014
Q5: How many adults live in your house?
Answered: 144
Skipped: 19
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Q5: How many adults live in your house?
Answered: 144
Skipped: 19
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6
7/7/2014
Q6: Do any of the adults in your house have a bike?
Answered: 145
Skipped: 18
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Q6: Do any of the adults in your house have a bike?
Answered: 145
Skipped: 18
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7
7/7/2014
Q8: Have you ever ridden your bike at the Gallagher Skills Park at the
Avantidrome near Cambridge?
Answered: 139
Skipped: 24
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Q8: Have you ever ridden your bike at the Gallagher Skills Park at the
Avantidrome near Cambridge?
Answered: 139
Skipped: 24
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8
7/7/2014
Q9: Do you ever ride your bike for these reasons? Please choose one
answer for each line.
Answered: 133
Skipped: 30
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Q9: Do you ever ride your bike for these reasons? Please choose one
answer for each line.
Answered: 133
Skipped: 30
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9
7/7/2014
Q10: Do you ride your bike at these times? Please choose one answer for
each line.
Answered: 134
Skipped: 29
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Q10: Do you ride your bike at these times? Please choose one answer for
each line.
Answered: 134
Skipped: 29
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10
7/7/2014
Q11: Do you ride your bike on footpaths, roads or other paths? Please
look at the pictures and choose one answer per line.
Answered: 133
Skipped: 30
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Q11: Do you ride your bike on footpaths, roads or other paths? Please
look at the pictures and choose one answer per line.
Answered: 133
Skipped: 30
Powered by
11
7/7/2014
Q13: Do you use any footpaths or shared paths as shortcuts between
roads?
Answered: 130
Skipped: 33
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Q13: Do you use any footpaths or shared paths as shortcuts between
roads?
Answered: 130
Skipped: 33
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12
7/7/2014
Q14: Are there any places where you would like a shortcut between roads
for cycling on?
Answered: 119
Skipped: 44
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Q14: Are there any places where you would like a shortcut between roads
for cycling on?
Answered: 119
Skipped: 44
Powered by
13
7/7/2014
Q15: Which of the following surfaces would you ride on? Please refer to
the pictures and select one answer per row.
Answered: 128
Skipped: 35
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Q15: Which of the following surfaces would you ride on? Please refer to
the pictures and select one answer per row.
Answered: 128
Skipped: 35
Powered by
14