The present study investigates how infrastructure perception, travel satisfaction and pro-environmental attitudes influence the motivations for choosing cycling as a mode of transport. The effects of demographic variables and mobility habits are also taken into account. Data are collected via a survey with cyclists living in Milan and the surrounding areas. The survey comprises a first set of items to explore the cyclists’ transportation habits and three self-assessment questionnaires: The Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS)—A Short Form, The Satisfaction with Travel Scale (STS) and the Environmental Attitudes Inventory (EAI). A series of different multiple linear regression analyses and mediation models are conducted. The findings suggest that the frequency of cycling may be explained based on several factors. Males report cycling more frequently, younger adults report lower frequencies of bicycle use and the urban setting is more significantly related to bicycle use. Moreover, the results highlight the significant positive role of the perception of neighbourhoods (especially those with an easy access to non-residential areas) and of pro-environmental attitudes (especially of personal conservation behaviour) in promoting the frequency of bicycling, with the mediation effect of the variable ‘purpose of bicycle use’ (for leisure or to reach a destination) as well. Based on these findings, policymakers should focus on tailored strategies to promote cycling in different users.

Cycling is a key component of sustainable urban mobility, yet cycling behaviours are influenced not only by infrastructure but also by psychological factors, particularly risk perception. This study examined how risk perception, pro-environmental attitudes, and cycling experience relate to cyclists’ behaviours in urban contexts. One hundred Italian cyclists completed questionnaires assessing cycling behaviours, environmental attitudes, perceived urban environment characteristics, and hazard perception. Bayesian regression analyses showed that pro-environmental attitudes were associated with safer cycling behaviours, while cycling frequency acted as a protective factor against violations. In contrast, risk perception did not significantly predict cycling errors. The findings suggest that violations and errors may rely on different psychological mechanisms, with violations linked to deliberative processes and errors more strongly associated with automatic cognitive and attentional processes. Overall, the study highlights the need for integrated interventions addressing not only risk awareness, but also environmental design, attentional demands, and motivational factors related to sustainability and social responsibility.