Number of bicycle trips for commuter traffic in the Netherlands increased by two million in 2022

Source: fietsberaad CROW

The National Traveler Survey of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management shows that the number of bicycle trips for commuter traffic increased by two million in 2022. In addition to the increased number of working days, this is mainly due to bicycle subsidies.

The results of the National Traveler Survey, which has been conducted annually since 2019, are based on a survey among nearly 13,000 respondents. This time, the study pays special attention to the development of commuter traffic from 2018 to 2022.

The number of bicycle trips to and from the workplace increased by 17% in 2022 compared to 2021, while the number of car trips increased by 14%. The number of public transport journeys increased by 30%, mainly due to the lifting of the corona measures. The lifting of these measures is also an important reason behind the increase in the number of bicycle journeys, because people spend more working days at the office, although this is still less than in 2019. Furthermore, a travel allowance for bicycles, the non-reimbursement of travel expenses for a car and public transport, health, fun and the environment play a role in people’s choice to cycle to work.

The average cycling distance to work has increased from 4.2 to 4.5 kilometers and for e-bikes from 6.4 to 7.2 kilometers. 16% of people who always travel to work by the same means of transport opt for the bicycle, compared to 18% in 2019. The e-bike rose from 3% to 7%. Of the people who alternate between means of transport, 25% choose to cycle at least 1 day a week. In 2019 this was still 35%.

People who cycle or walk to work are often satisfied or very satisfied with their journey, more so than people who travel by car or public transport. Important reasons for choosing the bicycle are the presence of secure bicycle storage at the workplace and reimbursement for travel expenses. Reasons given for not choosing the bicycle include too great a travel distance and bad weather conditions.