Source: Fietsberaad Crow

In 2023, the Dutch traveled approximately 187 billion kilometers within their own country, an increase from 2022 but still 8% below pre-pandemic levels. However, the number of kilometers traveled by bike or on foot has grown since 2019 and is expected to continue rising. These findings come from the biennial Key Mobility Figures 2024 report by the Knowledge Institute for Mobility Policy (KiM).

Cycling accounted for 17.9 billion kilometres in 2023, about 1% more than in 2019 and 5% more than in 2022, making up roughly 10% of total kilometres traveled. On average, individuals cycled slightly less than in 2019, with per-person distances dropping from 1,090km annually to 1,065km in 2023. Electric bicycles now represent 38% of all cycling kilometres, a significant rise from just 6% a decade ago. While e-bikes have partially replaced traditional bicycles, the total distance traveled on regular bikes still grew by 2% between 2022 and 2023.

Future Trends

KiM projects that by 2029, bicycle use will increase by 11% compared to 2023. The use of electric bicycles is expected to grow by 40%, while distances covered on regular bicycles may decline by 7%. The report also highlights the growing diversity of electrically assisted or motorized two-wheelers on the road, some of which blur the classification between bicycles and other vehicle types.

Walking and Remote Work

The Dutch traveled 8% more kilometres in 2023 than in 2022, but 8% fewer than in 2019. Despite the reduction in total kilometres, travel time remained comparable to 2019, largely due to a 33% increase in walking distances since 2019. The decline in overall travel is primarily attributed to a rise in remote working.

About Key Mobility Figures

The Key Mobility Figures 2024 report provides a 10-year retrospective and a five-year outlook on mobility trends, including data on travel distances, travel time, accessibility, traffic safety, and the living environment. Published every two years in even years, the report complements the more comprehensive Mobility Image report released in odd years.

Click here to read the full report.