Intention to Adopt Cycling using the Modified Theory of Planned Behaviour

Abstract

The popularity of cycling in Sri Lanka has been declining over the years, while its popularity as a form of micro-mobility is increasing in some countries. Efforts to encourage cycling should be based on a proper understanding of factors affecting the intention to cycle. This research uses modified Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to explore the extent to which four sociopsychological constructs, namely, attitude, perceived behaviour control (PBC), subjective norm (SN) and environmental perception influence the intention to cycle. Using a modified TPB-based questionnaire survey, data related to the intention to adopt cycling and four TPB constructs were collected and analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis. PBC showed a strong positive effect while attitude and SN did not have a significant influence on the intention to cycle. Cycling supportive infrastructure availability in Sri Lanka is less and, hence, individuals’ perception on the environment was found to have a significant negative effect on the intention to adopt cycling. The findings of this research can inform policymakers and transport professionals in prioritizing strategies to enhance cycling in Sri Lanka in terms of improvements to cycling education, better cycling infrastructure and other programs of intervention.