Konstantinos Aggelakis, “Investigation of employee preferences in Athens towards the “Bike to Work” scheme”, Diploma Thesis, NTUA, School of Civil Engineering, Athens, March 2024.

The present Thesis aims to investigate the preferences of Athenians regarding the redistribution of public space and the promotion of sustainable urban mobility. Specifically, factors influencing the decisions of workers to use a soft mode of transportation such as bicycles and scooters (electric or conventional) for their commutes in Athens are examined, as well as how the existence of a bicycle lane network affects this decision. Additionally, the acceptance of workers in Athens towards adopting the “Bike to Work” program as a means to encourage cycling is explored. For this purpose, a questionnaire was developed and answered by 100 commuting workers based on the stated preference method for 12 hypothetical scenarios, with 6 scenarios assuming the absence of cycling infrastructure (current situation) and 6 scenarios assuming an adequate network of bicycle lanes, with variations in travel time, travel cost, and improvement in health status. Subsequently, two polynomial regression models and one logistic regression model were developed. In conclusion, for the logistic model, the analysis showed that workers’ decision to choose the “Bike to Work” scheme is influenced by factors such as commuters’ perception of bicycle sustainability, proximity to the workplace, satisfaction with the existing mode of transportation, and gender. Polynomial models demonstrate that increased time and cost savings in commuting do not significantly affect the choice of bicycle or scooter as a commuting mode, contrary to health improvement. Commute duration and commuter age are also significant factors in the choice of micro-mobility modes. The availability and adequacy of a bicycle network play a crucial role in determining people’s willingness to use bicycles. This study contributes to understanding workers’ preferences regarding the adoption of the “Bike to Work” program in Athens and provides valuable insights for individuals involved in designing similar initiatives, employers, and urban planners regarding strategies for promoting cycling as a sustainable and preferred mode of transportation in the city.