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.
The survey was only for residents of Alameda or employees of Alameda businesses. Surveys were distributed 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 (Some respondents did not answer all the questions). For details, see the survey questions and responses.
The results and an analysis follow.
98% of those responding already own bicycles, with 59% owning more than one.
Secure/sheltered bike storage at work site with showers and clearly designated/marked bikeways ranked highest for encouraging someone to bicycle to work.
The biggest obstacle by far reported to commuting via bicycle was personal safety issues. 98% of respondents said that it is extremely or somewhat important. With 82% listing it as extremely important. No other factor listed greater than 36% extremely important.
Weather conditions were the next most important factor.
While the majority (67%) of people are willing to ride 2-10 miles to their workplace. Only 52% of people responding actually live within 2-10 miles of their workplace.
Only 17% of respondents had taken their bike on the bus. Just less than half have taken the ferry or BART with their bikes. However, most bicyclists (more than 90%) responding who had take their bikes on public transportation (BART, bus and ferry) would do it again.
32% of respondents said they had ridden through the Oakland/Alameda Tube (Posey tube). Only 43% said they would doing it again. 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.