Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Roghayeh Bakhshandeh ¹
• Korosh Afzali ²
• Mohamadhadi Almasi ³

¹ PhD Candidate, Department of Urban Planning, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran

² Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran

Abstract

 
In recent decades, the popularity of establishing and utilizing bicycles has spread across numerous cities worldwide, yet its adoption remains limited in Iranian urban centers. The aim of this study is to investigate the public acceptability of bicycle usage in the small town of Aq Qala. The research adopts a quantitative approach combined with deductive reasoning and employs a survey methodology. Data collection utilized a researcher-developed questionnaire, targeting a sample size of 400 individuals. The findings reveal a low level of public acceptance towards bicycle usage, highlighting significant deficiencies in the social dimensions of bicycle utilization within Aq Qala. Moreover, the study observes a lack of significant correlation coefficients among variables such as "attitudes," "Injunctive norms," and even "perceived usefulness" with behavioral variables. This context suggests a prevalent disbelief in bicycles as a viable mode of transportation, with a stronger inclination towards associating bicycles with recreational activities. Additionally, results from the multiple linear regression test underscore the significance of the overall model, highlighting a relationship among socio-psychological variables within the research framework. Notably, the three influencing variables identified are awareness (+0.292), descriptive norms (+0.243), and individual affectivity (-0.312), contributing to a 23% change in the transformability of the dependent variable, as indicated by the adjusted coefficient of determination. Conclusively, the study's statistical findings have been meticulously reviewed and interpreted, shedding light on the complex dynamics surrounding public acceptability of bicycle usage in Aq Qala.
Keywords: Bicycle, Public Acceptance, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, Aq Qala.
 
 

Introduction

Transportation has emerged as a fundamental and pivotal component in the structure and governance of contemporary cities, with its significance transcending mere population size. The design and interplay of transportation components within a city carry profound implications for urban sustainability. Among sustainable and physically based transportation modes, the bicycle stands out as a vehicle mobility option. However, empirical research indicates that its impact extends beyond infrastructural aspects like dedicated cycling lanes and routes; cultural, social, and behavioral dimensions also play pivotal roles.
The primary focus of this research is to delve into the behavioral dimensions of bicycle usage within the framework of a comprehensive index of public acceptability. This index serves as a measurement tool to gauge the level of public acceptance and identify the influential variables affecting bicycle usage as a mode of travel.
The research questions guiding this investigation are as follows:

How can we develop a composite and responsive model for bicycle usage, utilizing existing models for measuring public acceptability?
What is the level and scale of public acceptability regarding bicycle usage in the small town of Aq Qala, assessed through social-behavioral analysis indicators?
Literature Review

Compared to motorized transportation modes, bicycles possess a higher relative advantage across various urban mobility indicators, including speed, agility, flexibility, and the public health benefits they confer upon cities. This recognition has led to the development of a range of new supporting theories within this scientific domain. These theories, from "new urbanism" to "15-minute cities," underscore the significance and integral role of bicycles within the urban transportation system.

Methodology

The methodology employed in this research adopts a quantitative approach coupled with the logic of deductive reasoning, rooted in survey research. Data collection utilized a researcher-developed questionnaire comprising a set of main variables along with auxiliary variables, totaling sixteen variables and 89 items. A sample size of 400 individuals was selected using a simple random sampling method. The study utilized a hybrid model derived from two well-known and widely used models: the "UTAUT" model and the "Theory of Planned Behavior." This hybrid model served as the framework for measuring the public acceptability index. The approach to measuring public acceptability in this research entails a sociological perspective, observing the potential practical utilization of bicycles in the city of Aq Qala as a case study.

Results

According to fundamental transportation variables and statistical data, it is observed that 50% of the population of Aq Qala owns a car, with 86% having access to one. In contrast, the ownership rate of bicycles stands at 35%, with a corresponding access rate of 53%. Regarding practical cycling behavior, the average cycling behavior among residents of Aq Qala city is estimated at 2.45 out of 5 points on the Likert scale, with 70% of the city's populace abstaining from using bicycles for travel. The inferential findings of this research unveil low acceptability and notable deficiencies in the social dimensions of bicycle usage within Aq Qala city. Moreover, there is a lack of significant confirmation regarding correlation coefficients among variables such as "attitude," "emphasized norms," and even "perceived usefulness" with the behavior variable. This context underscores a prevalent skepticism towards bicycles as a viable mode of travel, while a more pronounced inclination towards associating bicycles with sporting activities is observed. Further analysis through the multiple linear regression test reveals the overall significance of the model, establishing a relationship among socio-psychological variables within the research framework. Specifically, the three influencing variables "awareness" (+0.292), "descriptive norms" (+0.243), and "individual susceptibility" (-0.312) are found to be significant, contributing to a 23% change in the transformability of the dependent variable as indicated by the adjusted coefficient of determination.

Discussion

Generally, there has been limited research concerning bicycle usage in small cities, with the majority of studies predominantly centered on large cities. Consequently, directing attention towards small cities enables enhanced comparability of findings within this specific context.

Conclusion

In the city of Aq Qala, bicycle usage remains low due to a combination of subjective beliefs and objective conditions that do not favor cycling as a primary mode of urban transportation, despite its potential as a modern and efficient vehicle. The prevalent preference for private cars is conspicuous, particularly given the absence of a well-developed urban public transportation system and the prevailing cultural preference for private car usage in this small city. To address this issue, future-oriented targeted strategies are imperative to foster a cultural shift and promote the operational use of bicycles in this small northern city. This research has identified and introduced significant variables that influence bicycle usage, offering valuable insights for the development and practical implementation of bicycle initiatives not only in Aq Qala but also in other small and large cities throughout the country.
 
 

Keywords

• Bicycle
• Public Acceptance
• Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) Model
• Theory of Planned Behavior
• Aq Qala

Main Subjects

• Urban and Regional Development Planning