Life Cycles: A Retrospective Analysis of Transportation Behaviours and Attitudes

This study seeks to explore the factors that have encouraged people to start cycling more frequently, despite lack of improvements of cycling facilities in Toronto. This study uses a Grounded Theory methodology, and a mixed method approach. A literature review was performed to identify the initial sample, and additional literature was used to make a theoretical sub-sample later in the study. Primary data was collected through a survey, focus group and a follow-up questionnaire. The data was analyzed using open and theoretical coding techniques, memo-writing, and critical case analysis. During the process of answering the research questions, a conceptual model was developed to aid in the visualization of the theoretical complexity involved in mode-choice. These results were discussed in a broader context, including implications for the future of cycling-as-transportation in Toronto, as well as possibilities for future research.