Hurrying for the Evening Ride: Strategies to Encourage Commuting by Bicycle

Encouraging Cycling Among Motorists: A Multi-Faceted Approach

More and more cities are recognising the need to shift the comfort of cars to bikes to increase cycling among motorists. A study by L'Observatoire de IKV revealed that only 9% of employees in France's cycling kilometric scheme cycled to work, compared to France's average of 3%. However, financial incentives alone do not significantly increase cycling among individual car users.

Instead, a combination of strategies focusing on infrastructure, integration, education, community, and safety measures has shown promising results. Here are some key alternative strategies:

Developing and Expanding Cycling Infrastructure: Cities like Copenhagen and Portland have shown high cycling rates by investing in comprehensive cycling networks. Creating safe, connected, and well-maintained bike lanes, boulevards, and off-street pathways encourages more people to cycle by reducing perceived risk and improving convenience.
Integrating Cycling with Public Transport: Facilities that enable easy bike parking and the ability to combine cycling with transit provide flexible travel options, enabling longer commutes and reducing reliance on cars.
Implementing Bike-Sharing Programs: Public bike-share schemes, including electric bikes, make cycling accessible and attractive to those without personal bikes or those deterred by terrain or distance challenges.
Education and Awareness Campaigns: Bike education programs not only teach safe cycling skills but also target behavior change, helping motorists overcome fears and misconceptions linked to cycling safety.
Building Active Biking Communities: Encouraging participation in cycling advocacy organisations fosters local initiatives and a culture of cycling, which attracts more riders by creating social support and visible role models.
Using Technology for Route Planning and Safety: Apps and digital tools that help identify safe, scenic, and efficient routes can lower barriers for new cyclists and enhance confidence for existing ones.
Long-Term Political Commitment and Vision: Political leadership that sets ambitious cycling goals and continually champions development drives sustained change in transportation culture.
Promoting Health and Environmental Benefits: Messaging campaigns emphasising the health benefits of active transport and its role in reducing pollution and congestion encourage lifestyle shifts.

Beyond financial incentives, promoting events like 'Bike to Work Week' and workplace cycle challenges can help develop a cycling culture at work. For instance, offering a breakfast post-cycle, as done by workplaces in Denver and San Francisco each year, can make these events more enticing.

In some cases, financial incentives are offered. For example, France's cycling kilometric scheme offers a 200€ subsidy on electric bikes and a tax reduction on bicycles purchased by employers for their employees. Other financial incentives include tax reimbursements of 300€ for bike purchases in Luxembourg, discounted bikes through employers in the UK, and $20 a month for bike maintenance and parking expenses in the US.

However, it's important to note that these financial incentives do not always lead to a significant increase in the proportion of the population cycling to work. For instance, the UK's 'Cycle to Work' scheme was found to increase cycling among 66% of respondents and save the country 72 million pounds due to increased fitness and lower sick days. However, it did not result in a significant increase in the proportion of the population cycling to work.

Providing cycling facilities such as showers, changing rooms, lockers, bike repair kits, and bike sheds can also improve the uptake of cycling. Moreover, the majority of those choosing to cycle in France's cycling kilometric scheme had previously used public transport or car-pooling.

In conclusion, fostering safer, more accessible, and culturally supported cycling environments that motivate motorists to switch to bicycles for commuting requires a multi-faceted approach. While financial incentives can play a role, they are most effective when combined with strategies that focus on infrastructure, integration, education, community, and safety measures.

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965856418302753 [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965856419300271 [3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965856418302741 [4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S096585641830273X [5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965856419300263

Encouraging sustainable living and environmental-science initiatives, cities may implement policies for climate-change mitigation, such as promoting cycling as a low-emission means of transportation.
In the realm of general-news and lifestyle, the health-and-wellness benefits of fitness-and-exercise, such as cycling, are frequently discussed, and the connection between cycling and improved mental and physical health is reignited.
Home-and-garden magazines often feature stories on creating eco-friendly homes, and these publications may include advice on maintaining and storing bicycles, showcasing a blend of hobbies with environmental responsibility.
Leaders in the business sector seeking to foster a positive corporate image and sustainable practices may integrate cycling facilities, such as bike sheds and showers, or even sponsor local cycling teams, engaging in both CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and community-building.
As the integration of cycling with public transport developments continue, environmental-science and policy-and-legislation discussions may explore the potential for more comprehensive urban planning that considers shared transportation systems and promotes sustainable mobility.
Despite the political nature of policy-and-legislation decisions, proponents of cycling advocate for grassroots actions that influence politics, such as forming advocacy organizations and supporting candidates that prioritize sustainable-living initiatives, affecting long-term change in transportation and environmental policies.