Not the normal commute : bicycling for transport in Columbia, Missouri

Abstract

The objective of this research study is to assess the bicycle transportation system in Columbia, Missouri using structuration theory. Each component of this system is part of the structure or an agent inside the structure. The structure consists of infrastructure and culture, which includes roads and trails, local government, and bicycling advocacy groups. The local cyclists are the agents, although advocacy groups and members of local government can act as agents as well. Two questions are addressed to reach the study objective: 1) How have structural conditions impacted the behavior of bike commuters? And 2) How have bike commuters and other agents impacted the local structure for cycling? In order to gain a detailed understanding of the impact of these forces, the study includes an online survey of local cyclists, in-depth interviews with bike commuters, and interviews with key figureheads such as members of local government. Study results provide an enhanced understanding of how the local bicycling system works and changes, including the relationship between structure and agency.