Exploring the Perceived Attractiveness of Cycling as a Sustainable Transport Mode: Jeddah Residents’ Perspectives

Abstract

This study examines how residents in Jeddah perceive the attractiveness of cycling as a sustainable transport mode and what would make it more feasible in a car-oriented city. Cycling supports public health, lowers emissions, and can help cities deliver safer, more liveable streets. Primary data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed via social media and cycling groups. The survey included 85 participants from four areas of Jeddah (North, East, West, and South) and used 5-point Likert items plus open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics summarized responses, and one-way ANOVA tested mean differences by area.

Attitudes were generally positive (56% like cycling; 38% neutral; 4% dislike), but cycling was mainly for exercise and leisure (over half for sport, 33% for leisure) rather than commuting (2.5%). Street readiness was rated low: 65% reported that Jeddah’s streets are not suitable for cycling. Key barriers were the absence of bike lanes/paths (80%), poor road conditions and safety/security concerns (75%), long distances (around 70%), and weather (63%). Support for improvements was high, especially for protected lanes, lighting and signage, bike parking/storage, workplace end-of-trip facilities, and awareness programs (most items around 80%). Most respondents would cycle more if public transport allowed carrying bicycles (75%), and preferred bike-share (73%) and park-and-ride (about 75%) over bike rental.

Overall, cycling is viewed as more attractive in Jeddah when a safe, connected network is paired with supportive facilities and multimodal integration.