In 2001, BikeAlameda created a survey to collect information on bicycling in Alameda. The goal of the survey was to determine what would get more people to use the bicycle for transportation, particularly to work.
Surveys were distributed to residents of Alameda or employees of Alameda businesses and collected at: Bike To Work Day 2001, the Park Street Art and Wine Fair, Art in the Park, Crab Cove concerts, and the July Bicycle Criterium. A total of 157 surveys were collected.
In 2010, BikeAlameda conducted a follow-up to the 2001 survey. Surveys were distributed only electronically via Surveygizmo.com.
A total of 165 surveys were answered. (Some respondents did not answer all the questions). For details, see the survey questions and responses.
The results and an analysis follow.
Similar to 2001, 98% of those responding already own bicycles (2001: 98%).
Clearly designated/marked bikeways and secure/sheltered bike storage at work site with showers rank highest for encouraging someone to bicycle to work (similar to 2001 survey).
When asked what might encourage them to bicycle to work, respondents are most likely to say "clearly designated/marked bikeways" (43%). About one-quarter (22%) say "secure/sheltered bike storage at work" and one-in-five (19%) agree that "work-site showers and locker facilities" would encourage them.
Likewise, parents site similar factors when asked what would encourage them to have their children bicycle to school: clearly designated/marked bikeways (43%), traffic calming around the school (30%), kids bicycle safety training (26%) and secure/sheltered bike storage facilities at school (23%).
The two biggest obstacles to commuting via bicycle are personal safety issues and weather conditions.
Ninety-one percent of respondents said that "personal safety issues" is extremely or somewhat important (2001: 98%). About two-thirds (64%) list it as extremely important (2001:82%).
Likewise, 93% of respondents rate "weather conditions" as either somewhat or extremely important (2001: 89%), with 54% saying it is extremely important. (2001: 36%)
While the majority of people (68%) are willing to ride 2-10 miles to their workplace, only 49% of respondents actually live within 2-10 miles of their workplace. (2001: 67% & 52%, respectively)
While just one-third of respondents (33%) have taken their bike on the bus, over half (53%) have taken their bikes on BART, and 52% on the ferry (2001: 17%, <50% for BART and ferry). However, almost all bicyclists responding who had take their bikes on public transportation (BART, bus and ferry) would do it again (more than 90%) (2001: similar results).
About four-in-ten of respondents (39%) said they had ridden through the Oakland/Alameda Tube (Posey tube) (2001: 32%). However, just 15% said they would do it again, while 39% said they would rather not, and 34% said they would never do it again (2001: 43% yes, 57% no*). Many comments came from this question. Even those who said they would do it again, most said they do it because they have to and reluctantly.
While these surveys do not give us statistics for the general public, they are very telling for those who already own bicycles and use them whether for recreation or transportation.
These results tell us that there are still many things that we as an advocacy and education group and the City of Alameda can do to get more bicycles on the road and therefore reduce the number of car trips.
For example, we need to continue to encourage employers as diverse as Alameda Free Library and AUSD to Wind River to provide employees with shower facilities and bike parking facilities.
*In 2001, respondents were given two response options if they said they had biked the Posey Tube: 1) Yes, I would do it again and 2) No, I would not do it again. In 2010, respondents were given three choices 1) Yes and I'd do it again, 2) Yes and I'd rather not do it again and 3) Yes and I'll NEVER do it again. Because the response options varied from 2001 to 2010, it is difficult to interpret a comparison between 2001 vs. 2010.