Commuter traffic

In commuter traffic bicycle use is already relatively high and tends to increase steadily. This in spite of the strong increase in average commuting distances (We have not become more mobile). In general bicycle use is stimulated in the Dutch mobility policies, most certainly so in commuter traffic. On the one hand because of the advantages to the employee himself: few costs and improvements in health and fitness (Considerable increase in fitness (Conditie flink vooruit)). These reasons for bicycle policy will certainly play a role in the background, but are rarely emphasised in bicycle policy. On the other hand, particularly because of the social advantages of bicycle use, particularly in commuter traffic. Relief of the road network if the car is not used; less congestion. It recently became clear than even motorists on highways often cover such short distances that the bicycle is a realistic alternative: A10 West: the bicycle as alternative for ringroad drivers. At the same time, however, there is little attention for bicycle traffic in major regional network studies that are important for prioritising large projects: Bicycle traffic only of limited importance in regional network analyses (Fietsverkeer speelt bescheiden rol in regionale netwerkanalyses)). However, for the first time attention has been paid to a direct link between highway congestion and bicycle use in commuter traffic over intermediate distances: Little known about anti-congestion role of bicycles.

Stimulating bicycle use in commuter traffic occurs mostly through employers. These may change circumstances in such a way that bicycle use in commuter traffic increases. This has been demonstrated in many traffic management field tests; see Standard package traffic management (Basispakket vervoermanagement) and Company bicycle relevant for local traffic policies.

A short summary of available data and possible measures: the paragraph ‘Cycling in commuter traffic’ in Fietsberaad publication 9. Policy recommendations on bicycle traffic; survey of knowledge of bicycle policies.