Analysing over 10 million journeys made by members of LondonÕs Cycle Hire Scheme, we find that female customersÕ usage characteristics are demonstrably different from those of male customers. Usage at weekends and within LondonÕs parks characterises womenÕs journeys, whereas for men, a commuting function is more clearly identified. Some of this variation is explained by geodemographic differences and by an atypical period of usage during the first 3 months after the schemeÕs launch. Controlling for each of these variables brings some convergence between men and women. However, many differences are preserved. Studying the spatio-temporal context under which journeys are made, we find that womenÕs journeys are highly spatially structured. Even when making utilitarian cycle trips, routes that involve large, multi-lane roads are comparatively rare, and instead female cyclists preferentially select areas of the city associated with slower traffic streets and with cycle routes slightly offset from major roads.
A study by REF analyzed more than 10 million journeys made by members of the Cycle Hire Scheme in London and found that women's use characteristics are different from those of men.
Exploring gendered cycling behaviours within a large-scale behavioural data-set
Transportation Planning and Technology
Engineering