Attidudes about bicycling and walking in St. Louis

A survey done in 2005 as part of the St. Louis Regional Bicycling and Walking Transportation Plan gives one of the best available detailed looks at the attitudes of residents towards bicycling and walking.

Highlights:

* 63% of respondents bicycle once a week or more; 73% once a month or more

* 48% of respondents bicycle for work, shopping, or school

* 57% of respondents walk to a destination once a week or more; 73% once a month or more

* 47% of respondents walk for work, shopping, or school

* Heavy/fast traffic, lack of bicycle facilities, and lack of support facilities (bicycle parking, changing facilities) are most often listed conditions that discourage bicycling

* 90% consider bicycling improvements and 86% consider walking improvements important or very important to their way of life

* 92% would support a designated bicycle route on their street

* 76% are willing to ride their bicycle 5 miles or more to a destination; 41% are willing to walk 2-3 miles to a destination

* 96% strongly or somewhat agree more money should be spent to make it easier and safer for people to bicycle and walk (80% strongly agree).

(See Chapter 2, pp. 7-19, of the St. Louis Regional Bicycling and Walking Transportation Plan for details.)