Modelling the Heterogeneity in the Relationship between Biking and the Built Environment in Benin City, Edo State

Abstract

This study aims to model the heterogeneity in the relationship between biking and the built environment in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Using data from 1,500 households and 80 kilometres of bike infrastructure, we employed various statistical and spatial analysis techniques to investigate the impact of factors such as land use, density, infrastructure, and socio-economic characteristics on biking behaviour in the study area. The results reveal significant variations in the relationship between biking and the built environment across different neighbourhoods and population groups. For instance, the average cycling rate was 15.3% in high-density areas, compared to 6.8% in low-density areas. Furthermore, mixed land use was associated with an 11.2% increase in the likelihood of cycling. The findings have important implications for urban planners and policymakers seeking to promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation in rapidly urbanizing cities like Benin City.