Three fast cycling routes are being developed in the Arnhem-Nijmegen region of East Netherlands with the aim of enticing commuters to take to the bike more frequently. Last spring, the urban council conducted research during into the region’s bike usage so as to establish the motivation behind bike riding.
Most interviewees cycle daily with distances frequently exceeding 6 kilometres, and 80% of them mention health as the main reason for cycling. Even car ownership had little effect on bike usage; 60% still chose the bike. For 20% of all cyclists, the bike is faster than the car. For 60% the bike is faster than public transport. Half of the research subjects say they will cycle more often when the cycling routes have been improved.
The results from this research will also be used by the urban council as a baseline in order to subsequently determine if the construction of the route truly influences bike usage.