OTREC-RR-12-15

This study examines the impacts of multimodal transportation on local businesses. Analysis of travel choices and consumer spending shows important differences in the average amounts spent by travel mode. Bicyclists, pedestrians and transit riders are competitive consumers. Mode choice does not significantly impact consumer spending at establishments surveyed when we consider demographics and socioeconomics. When controlling for trip frequency, average monthly expenditures by mode reveal that bicyclists, transit users and pedestrians are competitive consumers and, for all businesses except supermarkets, spend more on average than those who drive. Residential and employment density, proximity to rail transit, and the amount of car and bicycle parking are all important in explaining the use of non-automobile modes. Bike parking and bike corrals are significant predictors of bike mode share at an establishment.