Objectives

This research is aimed at reviewing the practicality, enjoyment, and outcome of cargo bike use as an equitable vehicle. Data will support if cargo bikes influence the changeover to bicycle transportation from vehicular use and follow how behavior, attitude, spatial context, and perception varies between riders. Specific attention is given to the use of cargo bikes by women with children, as they represent a minority group in the bicycle community but could benefit most from the capabilities of a cargo bike design. Traditionally, mothers spend more hours a day around their children and take part in more child-related activities, so this type of “cargo” is a focal research factor. The assessment phase of this research also includes the emotional and physical security a cargo bike provides, in comparison to other modal options.

 

Importance

From the standpoint of environmental stewardship, the crossover of travel patterns from vehicular to bicycle use would alleviate carbon emissions while growing healthier and more active communities. Facilitating this research around women with children also helps illustrate the impacts of modeling bicycling behavior to the next generation of commuters.

 

The cargo bike also becomes a symbol of modal empowerment for women. The cargo bike helps us envision what a more socially equitable transportation model looks like and how the future of travel patterns may be designed primarily around non-vehicular travel modes.  

 

Results

The study is currently in the literature review and data summary phase, but will be completed in June 2016. In addition to the primary data collected through a national survey (seen to the left), personal ridership of a cargo bike and interviews with cargo bike owners will be used. The final result will include a literature review and data summary, as well as a research paper and informational guide for the WoGo community.