Integrating cycling and public transport

Summary

Improving bicycle parking facilities in Rotterdam was a way of encouraging cycling in combination with public transportation.

Implementing sustainable mobility

Prior to measure implementation, a survey had indicated that the rate of bicycle ownership was lower in Rotterdam than in other cities in the Netherlands. The objective of this measure was therefore to achieve a higher modal share for bicycle trips in the city. The focus was on improving on-street cycle parking facilities in order to ensure security against theft and to minimise the disruption caused by uncontrolled cycle parking. By introducing secure parking facilities at transport interchanges, it was also hoped to promote the integration of cycling with public transport use, since 33 percent of train passengers travel between home and the railway station by bike.

Progress

In the first phase, existing facilities at metro and train stations were assessed according to occupancy rate, safety and maintenance status. On the basis of this analysis, a strategy was drawn up to extend/improve unguarded parking facilities at 23 public transport stops; install three large-scale guarded bicycle parks near crowded venues such as the city centre and the football stadium; and extend parking facilities at the metro stations. At each station, between 30 and 200 stands were made available based on a user-friendly and easy to maintain design.

In addition, over 400 secure parking boxes had been installed throughout various residential areas by 2005.

Outcomes

For the purposes of evaluation, a survey was carried out in September 2005 at the Oosterflank location, close to a metro station, where the parking facilities were partly sheltered. Cyclists showed a strong preference for the covered racks, only using the uncovered racks when the others were full. Some 82 percent of respondents were aware that the facilities had been renewed, a quarter of whom (12 people) stated that they used bicycle parking more as a result. Cyclists were in general satisfied with the facilities and with the distance between the parking and the metro. Some people said that they would welcome improved security in the form of cameras, surveillance or closed parks. As a result of the measure, the modal split improved in favour of public transport and cycling.