Promoting cycling activities in the State of Qatar: Challenges and potential treatments

Abstract

In the last few decades, cycling has received an increased attention due to its health, social, and economical benefits. Many countries are adopting different policies to encourage cycling as a daily mode of transport. In this paper, the main barriers and motivators to cycling and their relation to demographic factors were investigated. In addition, main trip purposes of cycling and the effect of seasonal variation on trips duration were studied in the State of Qatar. Data was obtained through questionnaire by interviewing 272 respondents. Descriptive statistics and correlations were conducted to investigate the causal relationships. Most of the respondents reported that they cycle for exercise/leisure purpose. Due to weather conditions, cyclists are willing to cycle more in the winter season compared to summer for all trip purposes. Results also revealed a significant relation between different barriers/motivators and demographic factors such as gender, age and ethnicity. The results of this study could be beneficial to policymakers in identifying the main barriers and motivators for the public in order to promote cycling.