The role of linear green infrastructure in perceived cycling safety: insights from Berlin

Purpose: This study aims to investigate how different attributes of cycling infrastructure, with a particular focus on linear green infrastructure (LGI), influence cyclists’ perceptions of safety. Design/methodology/approach: An online survey was conducted with 25,334 residents of Berlin, who rated a series of hypothetical urban cycling scenarios characterised by key attributes, including the presence of LGI. A hybrid mixed logit (HMXL) model was used to analyse the data, integrating both observed and latent psychological factors. Findings: The results highlight that LGI plays a critical role in improving cyclists’ perceptions of safety, particularly for vulnerable social groups (i.e. women, older cyclists, those traveling with children) who are more risk-averse. LGI is also particularly effective in mixed-traffic environments. While infrastructure width and the absence of commercial activity also influence safety perceptions, this study further suggests that well-designed cycling infrastructure, incorporating LGI, can increase the safety perceptions of more reluctant cyclists to ride in unfavourable weather conditions. Practical implications: This study highlights the importance of investing in LGI, especially in areas with limited cycling infrastructure. In these contexts, the presence of LGI significantly enhances the perceived safety of cyclists, particularly for vulnerable social groups. Prioritising LGI in less-developed urban areas can have a large impact on increasing cycling adoption and improving safety perceptions. Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature by examining the specific role of LGI in enhancing cycling safety perceptions by estimating a HMXL model, a novel methodological approach that deepens the understanding of the psychological and infrastructural factors influencing cycling behaviour.