COMPARISON BETWEEN THE DIFFERENCES OF RECREATIONAL CYCLISTS IN NATIONAL SCENIC BIKEWAY AND LOCAL BIKE LANE

Abstract

This study investigates the recreational cycling and environmental preferences of cyclists in Taiwan. Compared to bicycle tourists using national scenic bikeways and recreational cyclists using local bike lanes, this study explores how the two types of users significantly differ in preferences. By using questionnaire and Ridit analysis, this study investigates two bikeway systems implemented by central and local government separately. The former is a 201.66 km-long bikeway network produced by the National North Coastline Scenic Administration. The latter is a 17 km-long coastal bikeway alone Hsin-Chu city which has been planned by city government. The national scenic bikeway attracts tourists to cycle mainly with the reason of tourist attractions and landscaping. Restated, cycling is not the tourists first priority; while the local bike lane provides opportunity for cycling under the purpose of leisure and exercise.