Cycling Satisfaction Monitor Amsterdam: How satisfied are our cyclists?

The cycling environment in Amsterdam is, to a large extent, determined by public space planning. By expanding and constructing bicycle infrastructure and by improving parking facilities, the city of Amsterdam is becoming more attractive to cyclists. However, the cycling experience depends on more than just smooth asphalt and other facilities. Factors including the interaction with other road users, a spontaneous greeting with a friend, the lively atmosphere around cafés, or the wind blowing through the trees, all have an impact. These less tangible aspects also affect the cycling experience! Thus, they should be included in the cycling experience optimisation process.

The cycling satisfaction monitor carried out annually from 2018 onwards, demonstrates that Amsterdam cyclists do indeed attach importance to the non-physical aspects of the bicycle trip. In this study, over 1,700 cyclists immediately after their ride, are asked to rate their bike ride on safety, speed, convenience (i.e. wayfinding), comfort (i.e. smooth infrastructure) and attractiveness (i.e. green space and clean air). The 2018 results showed that 30% of the satisfaction rate is determined by the attractiveness of the bicycle ride. This means that the level of greenery, the quality of the infrastructure, the diversity of the route, air quality and noise level all play an essential role in determining cycling satisfaction.

Another outcome of the monitoring showed that safety and speed (or directness) in Amsterdam are already well organised. Only when these primary conditions are in order, aspects as comfort and attractiveness gain importance. So, it is essential to ensure the basics (safe and direct routes) before further improving the cycling experience by focussing on divers and green cycle routes. The average scores for attractiveness and comfort levels ranged between 6.3 and 6.5, leaving room for improvement. That is why the monitoring has been repeated ever since because this way, we, as a municipality, can apply suitable measures and test whether we are making progress on various aspects (such as comfort).