Identifying clusters of cycling commuters and travel patterns: The case of Quelimane, Mozambique

Abstract

Limited attention has been paid to the analysis of cycling in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa(SSA). However, understanding cycling and cycling patterns in SSA is crucial for implementing amore effective cycling-oriented policy. Using the city of Quelimane, Mozambique, as a case study,this paper aims to understand cycling mobility in SSA cities by identifying clusters of cycling com-muters and mapping their trip patterns. A survey was conducted to explore the socio-demo-graphic aspects of the population and commuter attitudes toward cycling. The underlying factorsstructuring the population sample were determined by means of factor analysis, and a clusteringprocess was applied. Cyclists’travel patterns were then recreated to assess the influence of roadquality on cycling. The results identified three clusters of cycling commuters: informal workerswith children, short-distance students, and occasional cyclists. The clusters were based on house-hold composition, employment status and cycling frequency to work/school. It was found thatover 40% of cycling trips took place within the city periphery and about 10% between the cityperiphery and suburban areas. Most people cycle to carry products to sell in local markets and asa bicycle-taxi. The study findings provided a clear understanding of commuter cyclists, and canserve as an empirical basis for developing more targeted policies to encourage cycling.