Danube Cycling Tourist Survey 2024: 5.000 cyclists contribute to a survey and confirm the need for better connections with public transport
Cycling tourism in the Danube region. High demand for combination with public transport 🚂🏞
Cycling tourism is thriving and can help regions to reduce emissions and stimulate local economies. ⛺
What needs do cycle tourists have and what challenges do they face - especially when it comes to combining cycling with public transport? We investigated these questions in our EU-funded #Active2Public Transport project through a transnational online survey, conducted together with the #European Cyclist's Federation. The survey was translated into 14 languages and carried out in all 9 project countries in the Danube Region. In total, more than 5,000 people took part. The final report now shows that there is a strong demand for combining cycling holidays with public transport, while at the same time recognizing that public transport aspects need to be improved considerably.
Key Findings: Improvements in Public Transport
What needs do cycle tourists have and what challenges do they face - especially when it comes to combining cycling with public transport? We investigated these questions in our EU-funded #Active2Public Transport project through a transnational online survey, conducted together with the #European Cyclist's Federation. The survey was translated into 14 languages and carried out in all 9 project countries in the Danube Region. In total, more than 5,000 people took part. The final report now shows that there is a strong demand for combining cycling holidays with public transport, while at the same time recognizing that public transport aspects need to be improved considerably.
Key Findings: Improvements in Public Transport
Cycling tourism is thriving, with 96% of respondents eager to repeat the experience. Top motivations include active exploration, scenic routes, and unique access to landscapes. The Danube Region, home to EuroVelo 6, is well-positioned to expand this sector. Half of the surveyed travellers had already visited, while many others expressed future interest.
While the interest and potential are significant, they also present challenges for multimodal transport. The survey results show a high demand for combining cycling holidays with public transport, especially for bicycle carriage on public transport vehicles. Despite this high demand, user satisfaction with public transport was relatively low, indicating that improvements are needed to increase satisfaction and usage. The main areas for improvements are:
While the interest and potential are significant, they also present challenges for multimodal transport. The survey results show a high demand for combining cycling holidays with public transport, especially for bicycle carriage on public transport vehicles. Despite this high demand, user satisfaction with public transport was relatively low, indicating that improvements are needed to increase satisfaction and usage. The main areas for improvements are:
- Cycling infrastructure (separation from motorised traffic, surface, ...)
- Capacity for bicycle transport in trains/buses
- Cycling-friendly public transport connections
Did you know that…
Cycling tourists generally spend more than regular tourists and have a direct impact on local economies. German cycling tourists, for example, spend an average of €117 per day during longer trips. (Source: ADFC Bicycle Travel Analysis 2024)
Key Priorities
Cyclists traveling in the Danube Region have clear expectations when it comes to infrastructure and services. What improvements would make their experience smoother and more enjoyable? The survey’s recommendations for decision-makers are as follows:
- Develop cycling tourism more to support local economies by fostering partnerships between local businesses and tourism boards and capitalising on the existing attractivity of the Danube region. This could involve developing new experiences and products, promoting eco-friendly accommodations, regional bike rental schemes, and cycling-friendly services to unlock the high economic impact of cycling tourism.
- Enhance cycling infrastructure and connect them with public transport hubs to ensure safe and accessible connections for cyclists. This includes expanding and maintaining dedicated bike tracks, signage, and secure parking areas to encourage more travelers to incorporate cycling into their journeys.
- Improve cross-border public transport connectivity by optimizing timetables, ticketing systems, and multimodal hubs. Seamless integration of train, bus, and ferry connections across national borders would encourage more cyclists to explore the region without relying on private vehicles.
- Increase bicycle transport capacity on trains and buses by enhancing onboard carriage and implementing clear regulations for bike transport. The introduction of special carriages or storage spaces could facilitate traveling with a bicycle, particularly for long-distance and cross-border journeys.
- Upgrade digital and multilingual travel resources to provide real-time information on cycling routes, transport connections, and service availability. Websites and mobile apps should feature detailed maps, route planning tools, and multilingual support to cater to international visitors.
We thank the #European Cyclist's Federation for the good cooperation! 🚲
Thank you to all the Romanians (and not only!) who got involved in completing the survey! ❤️
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