Promoting sustainable transportation through the integration of cycling with public transit : lessons from Copenhagen and Munich for Singapore

Abstract

Sustainable modes of transportation like cycling and public transit are always desired, but trying to achieve a mode shift from the automobile to cycling and public transit can be quite a challenge because cycling and public transit on their own cannot easily replace the convenience and comfort that automobile mobility affords for many trips. By marrying the merits of cycling and public transit together (bike + ride), we may increase the attractiveness of both and thereby offer a good alternative mode of transport to the automobile. This thesis begins by looking at travel behavioral theories to provide a better understanding of people's travel preferences and this knowledge helps with the search for appropriate sustainable transport solutions capable of influencing travel preference away from the automobile and towards cycling and public transit. The thesis moves on to use the theories established as a framework to examine how Copenhagen and Munich have encouraged bike + ride. Some of the lessons learned from the two cities are applied to Singapore.