Pedal to Platform
Understanding Operational Efficiency of Bicycle Parking Facilities at Railway Stations in the Netherlands
I.A. Bosman (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
N Van Oort – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Transport and Planning)
N. Geržinič – Mentor (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
JA Anne Annema – Mentor (TU Delft - Transport and Logistics)
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Abstract
In the Netherlands, the integration of cycling with train travel plays a crucial role in enhancing urban mobility by promoting accessibility, reducing congestion and lowering emissions. This paper investigates the operational efficiency of bicycle parking facilities at railway stations, with the aim of bridging the gap between infrastructure design and the evolving demands of users, such as the need to accommodate a variety of bicycle types and fluctuating commuting patterns. There is still limited insight into the operational dynamics that affect efficiency. This study operationalises usage efficiency by analysing occupancy, turnover and parking pressure, using data from Dutch railway stations from 2023 to 2024. Through a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative time-series analysis, the paper identifies key strategies for optimising these facilities. The findings reveal variability in efficiency across different contexts, showing that a high turnover relative to parking pressure rate indicates greater operational efficiency. Cluster analysis utilising temporal clustering techniques differentiates facilities by efficiency patterns and identifies distinct challenges and opportunities for targeted interventions. The paper advocates enhanced monitoring, targeted enforcement, context-specific design adjustments and the accommodation of diverse bicycle types to improve efficiency. These insights aim to guide planners and operators in optimising bicycle parking facilities to support sustainable, multimodal mobility in urban environments.