How employees view smart cycling to work: A regional survey in the Netherlands

The intent of our study is to provide insightful results regarding views and attitudes of employees towards cycling. We were especially interested in their views regarding the use of personalized rewarding schemes delivered via a smartphone app to stimulate cycling to work. The study involved a quantitative on-line survey of employees in Enschede, the Netherlands, and vicinity, wherein 1.800 employees participated. Our results show that most employees commute by bicycle, followed by a considerable percentage who commute (alone) by car. In addition, most employees consider cycling as pleasant, healthy, and refreshing. For employees who often cycle to work, feeling healthy is the most important reason for them to take up cycling. Equally important, the use of apps to stimulate cycling to work has potential, but employees need to be approached accordingly. For example, employees who sometimes cycle to work are more receptive to rewarding schemes delivered via smartphone apps. Conversely, non-cyclists are more reluctant to take up cycling, even if rewards would be offered.