Source: Lime

Market research specialist OpinionWay was commissioned to conduct a study for Lime, asking commuters in France about how mobility could be improved for travelling to work. The LEVA-EU member reports that 69% of respondents believe cycling is a better commuting option than public transport, with 62% of employees willing to use an e-bike for the first or last mile of their journey.

The OpinionWay study surveyed employees living in urban areas, which have 20,000 occupants or more living there, to evaluate how cycling can be made easier and safer for commuters. Respondents were asked about the attractiveness of cycling compared to other mobility options.

Cycling is appealing but not favoured over other transport options

In the context of transportation used most often for commuters, only 11% of workers use bicycles the most, less than the following transportation modes:

• Car – 45%
• Public transport – 18%
• Walking – 15%

Notably, although cycling is not the primary transportation option, this transportation mode is used frequently, with 41% of commuters saying they use a bike at least once a week, and 29% several times a week, showing that cycling to work is becoming a regular transportation mode for many, in addition to other transport modes.

The mental effects of cycling on commuters

The study reveals that one of its strongest findings is that not only is cycling perceived as a practical or eco-friendly transportation mode, but also that it contributes to an improved work-life balance:

• 69% of employees believe commuting to work by bicycle puts them in a better frame of mind than when they use public transportation.
• 68% stated that they believe cycling home after a tough day helps them to unwind.
• 71% say that cycling to work enables them to “regain control” of their daily routine

The tangible benefits of cycling for commuters

When travelling to work by bike, 89% of respondents identified at least one benefit, consisting of:

• 55% stated cycling covers exercise without thinking about it
• 51% stated saving money
• 40% reported being enabled to reduce their environmental impact.

Other cited benefits included the feeling of freedom, trip enjoyment, managing to avoid delays and hassles, and saving time.

Barriers to cycling adoption

Respondents have stated the following factors are obstacles to them cycling to work

• 46% cite the weather
• 43% cite the journey length
• 41% want to avoid arriving at their destination sweaty
• 37% fear accidents and lack of safety during their trip

In relation to improving cycling in the city

• 55% request continuous and safe cycling paths
• 47% want better car and bicycle co-existence
• 39% want secure parking facilities for bicycles

The need for multimodality for cycling uptake

The study reveals that integrating cycling with other transportation modes is significantly advantageous

• 62% of employees are willing to use an e-bike to the first or last mile of their journey
• 56% would be encouraged to cycle to work if they could easily integrate it with public transport use

The role of employers and colleagues in encouraging bicycle take-up

The study reveals that:

• For 27% of respondents, employers are the most important influence for cycling to work, before the employees themselves, the state, town halls or urban areas.
• 72% would like their workplace to finance or subsidise bicycles for commuting
• 71% indicated that when numerous colleagues commute to work by bicycle, it makes them want to try it.
• 86% said that at least one employer initiative is likely to motivate them to commute by bicycle more often.

Anticipated incentives include: secure bicycle parking at their place of work, a bike travel allowance or bonus, combined public transport and bike reimbursement, purchasing assistance or e-bike renting, or accessible showers and changing rooms.

The full report and analysis of this study can be accessed on Lime’s website.