# How do University Student Cyclists Ride? The Case of University of Bologna
## 1 Introduction
Both cases represent how modern technologies and the use of GPS devices or smartphones, combined with software or apps, make it easier to gather exposure data, even for cyclists and pedestrians [9]. In terms of urban policy, surveys conducted in several Canadian cities confirmed the importance of dedicated infrastructure and demonstrated that coordinating public transport with cycling is a crucial factor in encouraging the use of both of these modes of transport [10]. Such integration can be achieved by the provision of convenient and secure cycle parking at both rail and bus stops, cycle racks on all buses, and accommodation of cycles on all rail transit vehicles. Indeed, respondents to a survey conducted at the University of Maryland, College Park, mentioned the lack of cycle lanes as the most important reason that keeps them from cycling [11]. This finding reveals the fact that a connected cycle network is the backbone of a successful bicycle program. In general, all surveys in both Canadian and American cities clearly indicate that more separate cycling facilities--cycle paths and lanes--would most encourage people to cycle. Others studies have underlined the correlation between cycling and proximity to cycle paths on separated carriageways [12]. A different perspective stems from studies on an individual basis. As pointed out by [13], cyclists quantify the importance of environmental factors such as traffic volume and surface quality before choosing cycling routes. Age was positively correlated with a preference for on-road facilities (striped cycle lanes, wide curb lanes), with importance placed on the surface quality, scenery, and cycle safety education, but was negatively correlated with a preference for cycle paths separated from the roadway. Cycling experience was negatively correlated with a preference for off-road facilities and concerns about safety, traffic, and terrain [13]. A survey conducted by the College of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin [14] indicated that for commuter bicyclists, travel time is the most important factor in choosing a route. The presence of a bicycle facility (especially a cycle lane or a separate path), the level of automobile traffic, the pavement's or riding surface's quality, and the presence of a bicycle facility on a bridge are also very important determinants. An adaptative stated preference survey conducted in the US [15] demonstrated that cyclists prefer to increase the travel time with the aim of using designated cycle lanes. Their preferences are followed further by the absence of parking on the street and by taking a cycle lane facility off-road. A thought-provoking survey has been conducted by The LAB's Bike-friendly University SM (BFU) program, whose aim was the detection of and the promotion / facilitation of cycling levels at universities, through some specific items such as quality bicycling infrastructure connecting campus and surrounding areas, various educational initiatives and resources, cycle share accessibility, a written cycle plan, regular transportation surveys, and secure bicycle storage areas and theft deterrents. The most relevant findings provided a foundation for universities aiming to increase cycle-friendliness for students and employees and informing them about future active commuting interventions on college campuses [16]. At the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Athens, a similar survey submitted to students demonstrated the relevance of introducing specific actions for the promotion of cycling to and from the TEI, including the design of a safe as well as functional cycle road path, taking under consideration several traffic-calming measures. Therefore, some proposals for efficient bicycle paths and traffic-calming action were developed [17]. With the specific aim of investigating the connection between environmental, social, and personal factors in cycling among university students, a survey was conducted in the City of Graz.